Losing to AC Milan in the derby could have a silver lining if it “humbles” Inter Milan of some overconfidence following their performance against AC Milan.
This is the view in today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Going into Sunday evening’s derby clash, Inter had the tag of big favourites.
Not just because the Nerazzurri had won the previous six meetings with their city rivals.
The two teams had also had vastly different results in the Champions League during the week leading into the derby.
For Milan, it was a tough defeat against Liverpool. It wasn’t just the 1-3 scoreline that looked embarrassing for the Rossoneri – but also the fact that if anything that scoreline flattered them.
Inter, on the other hand, had a much different outcome in their own match against top English opposition.
The Nerazzurri travelled to Manchester to face Premier League juggernauts Man City. They put in an impressive display and came away with a 0-0 draw that almost felt like a win.
AC Milan Loss “Humbles” Inter Following Man City Performance
Inter’s performance against City was that of a team firing on all cylinders.
Milan’s against Liverpool, on the other hand, suggested that there are still major growing pains for them under coach Paulo Fonseca.
But the Rossoneri clearly were inspired by that difficult moment.
Milan’s performance in the derby on Sunday was almost night and day different from what they produce against Liverpool during the week.
For Inter, the same could be said, but in reverse. Having been compact, organized, and intense against City, the Nerazzurri lacked energy and allowed far too much space between the lines to Milan.
It’s hard to avoid the sense that Inter had grown a bit complacent.
The match away in Manchester seemed to confirm the idea that Inter are now one of the strongest teams in Europe.
And perhaps this led the Nerazzurri, at least subconsciously, to think that they didn’t need to prove that all over again against Milan.
But the Rossoneri punished Inter for it. The 2-1 scoreline barely reflects their superiority to deservedly win the derby.
But that could be a lesson for Inter.
The Nerazzurri know that even against opposition weaker than they are on paper, or in worse, they must put in the work.
