5 takeaways from a fascinating weekend of European football

#4 Inter Milan continue to flounder defensively

Inter's defence may let them down

Before the 2018-19 Serie A season kicked off, a lot of pundits had placed Luciano Spaletti’s Inter side as one of the main contenders for the Scudetto crown. This was due to the praiseworthy work the team had done on transfers during the off season with £69.75 million worth of talent brought in to strengthen the team which had finished 4th last season.

However, it has not gone to plan yet with the Nerazzurri yet to get a win after 2 games. In the first game against Sassuolo, Miranda’s mistake led to a penalty which was dispatched promptly.

In last night’s game against Torino, the attack sparkled in the first half with 2 goals and a display filled with verve, and flair. It was good value for the lead. Unfortunately, the defence let the team down in the second half.

Goalkeeper Samir Handanovic was at fault for the first goal as his misjudging of a long ball allowed Andrea Belotti to control superbly and roll the ball into an empty net. Panic and a failure to clear their lines led to Torino's second scored by Souleymane Meite.

Marcelo Brozovic and Matias Vecino failed to offer adequate protection to the back-line, while left-back Daniele d'Ambrosio was terrible. Coach Spalletti will have to sort these issues soon (especially on defending crosses and long balls) if the team is to do anything of note this season.