A ComprehensibleJoy: Inter’s 5-1 Triumph Over Venezia
Cristian Chivu, Inter Milan’s head coach, couldn’t hide his satisfaction after the club’s resounding 5-1 victory over Venezia in the Coppa Italia round of 16. The Nerazzurri’s performance was a perfect blend of seasoned professionals and emerging talents, showcasing the depth and versatility of the squad. Inter’s strategy for the match was clear: to give some of the team’s fringe players a chance to shine, while allowing key players like Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Marcus Thuram to regain their match fitness following recent injuries. The plan worked to perfection, as Andy Diouf, Francesco Pio Esposito, and Ange-Yoan Bonny all found the back of the net, supplemented by a brace from Thuram. The only blemish was a Venezia goal from Richie Sagrado, which took a significant deflection off Carlos Augusto, catching Josep Martinez off guard. Despite this minor setback, the evening was a resounding success for Inter, with Chivu expressing his contentment and pride in his players.
A Night of Firsts and Milestones
The match at San Siro was marked by several notable firsts and milestones. Matteo Cocchi, Leonardo Bovo, and Matteo Spinaccè, who usually play for the Inter Under-23 side in Serie C, all made their senior debuts, impressing with their performance and composure. Chivu was particularly pleased with Andy Diouf, who not only played his first full 90 minutes for the club but also scored his first goal, contributing significantly to the team’s victory. “I’m happy for those who played their first at San Siro, those Under-23 players who I knew pretty well,” Chivu shared, highlighting the importance of nurturing young talent within the club. For Diouf, this was a breakthrough moment, a clear indication of his potential and the trust placed in him by the coaching staff.
Pio Esposito’s Multifaceted Success
Francesco Pio Esposito’s goal in the match was another highlight, marking his first goal for Inter at San Siro. Interestingly, Esposito had already scored at the iconic stadium but in the Italy jersey, making this achievement even more special. What sets Esposito apart is his versatility, as he is the first Inter player to score in four different tournaments this season: Serie A, the Champions League, Coppa Italia, and the FIFA Club World Cup. This multifaceted success is a testament to his talent and adaptability. Chivu praised the team’s collective effort, noting that the senior players played a crucial role in integrating the young talents. “The lads deserve credit, and they were welcomed into the squad very well too by the old guard. Those who have been here for quite a few years and represent this club showed humility, helping the youngsters to immediately settle into the atmosphere at this club,” he explained, underscoring the importance of a supportive and cohesive team environment.
Addressing Frattesi’s Playing Time
One of the more intriguing aspects of the match was the playing time given to Davide Frattesi. Frattesi, who has had limited opportunities this season, started the game and played alongside Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the second half. Chivu addressed the issue of Frattesi’s playing time, acknowledging that the midfielder had been dealing with an undisclosed injury. “Perhaps Frattesi deserved a few more minutes on the field, but he also had problems, coming off an injury with issues that perhaps we didn’t say publicly. He needed to put fuel in the tank today and he did it pretty well for 90 minutes,” Chivu explained. Despite the limited playing time, Chivu emphasized Frattesi’s importance and his potential to be a decisive player for the team. “We know Davide’s importance and what he can give. I made different choices, but I know that I can count on a player who still wants to be decisive for us,” he added, highlighting the trust and confidence the coaching staff has in Frattesi.
A Morale-Boosting Victory
The 5-1 victory over Venezia is the joint biggest Inter win in the Coppa Italia over the past 40 years, matching the 6-2 triumph over Benevento in 2019. This significant win comes at a crucial time for Inter, who had suffered back-to-back losses against AC Milan and Atletico Madrid. The match provided a much-needed morale boost, rekindling the team’s confidence and momentum. Chivu’s approach to the game and his management of the squad have been impressive, demonstrating a clear vision and a commitment to developing a strong team dynamic. “We are well aware of what we want to do and how much work it will require to get there. We know there are moments when things go well and others that go badly,” Chivu reflected, showing his realistic and pragmatic approach to the challenges ahead. He even joked about having moments to talk some “rubbish” in the future, adding a touch of humor to his post-match comments.
Looking Ahead to the Next Challenge
Inter’s next challenge in the Coppa Italia will be determined by the outcome of the match between Roma and Torino, with the draw scheduled for January 13. Regardless of their opponent, the victory over Venezia has set a positive tone and provided a strong foundation for the upcoming matches. Chivu’s leadership and the team’s collective performance have instilled a sense of optimism and determination. The win in Pisa over the weekend further solidified Inter’s form, indicating that the team is back on track. As Inter continues to navigate the competitive landscape of Italian and European football, the blend of experienced players and emerging talents, coupled with a positive and supportive team environment, will be key to their success. Chivu’s ability to balance these elements and maintain a focused and motivated squad will be crucial in achieving their goals this season.
