Bologna 0 - 1 Inter: Initial reaction and what we learned

Inter should play with ten men more often. I don't know if this is a good thing, but it's a fact that in a situation of disadvantage the Nerazzuri are able to express all the potential they have, and it's a lot.

The first half was boring, slow, and obviously goalless. Not shocking. I would like to highlight especially the fact that our striker, Icardi, who was last season's capocannoniere touched the ball just 9 times in the first 45 minutes. And the fault surely isn't on him but on Inter's ball movement and on their inability to provide him with decent service, which he could turn into goal-scoring chances.

The only real chance Maurito had today was the one he transformed into a goal. It wasn't that difficult of a shot to make, but it's always important for a striker to score, especially after a dry spell. The goal should give him confidence and renew in him the confidence to put the ball into the net (i.e. the one thing he is asked to do).

Thoughts on the match

• Kondogbia looks more nervous and confused every time he is on the pitch, and the few glimpses of pure energy he showed us are certainly not enough to justify the huge amount of cash Inter spent for him this summer. He needs to do more- he needs to embrace his role and understand his skills and qualities in order to step his game up and help the team in a more concrete way. His dynamism is critical for Inter this year, and he, along with Brozovic, should be Inter's cornerstones in the midfield. They both played way better after Melo's ejection, with more intensity and focus. Mancini should think about it, because I don't think that it's just a coincidence.
• If Maurito scored the winning goal, Handanovic secured the three points with an unbelievable save on a powerful short range attempt by Destro. THANK YOU SAMIR.
• Ranocchia, who had his first start of the season tonight, played a solid and sharp match. He likely benefited from being paired up with Miranda, whose experience and quality helped him to play with less pressure and more confidence.
• Jovetic and Ljajic still love each other, and it's a beautiful thing. We are all waiting to see them play together again like they did for the Viola a few years ago. For the moment, we just have this:

  

• At least for tonight, Inter is in first place, one point ahead of Roma who, coincidentally, will be Inter's next opponents this Sunday. Obviously this is not time for Inter to rest on their laurels, and hopefully this taste of first-place will be enough to spur the Nerazzurri on to victory this weekend.