5 takeaways from Inter’s 2-0 win over Bayern Munich

It may not have been the prettiest of wins and let’s not forget that it’s the preseason which doesn’t really count for much unless you are there to watch the game.

Nonetheless, Inter Milan put on a solid performance and, thanks to the head of Éder, handed defending Bundesliga champs Bayern Munich a 2-0 defeat at the Singapore National Stadium Thursday.

Here are a few things we took away from the win (of course, if you have more to add, please do so in the comment section below):

Better crossing

It seems after the first half debacle earlier this week against Olympique Lyon, Luciano Spalletti and the guys decided to spend some quality time on targeted crosses. Against Lyon, crosses from the wings were all over the place (except in front of where they were intended). But, Thursday, wingers Ivan Perisic and Antonio Candreva found their mark on several occasions, not the least of which were to find Éder waiting for his two headers.

Still no defensive test

Over the last two games, the Nerazzurri defense has yet to be really tested. Granted, Milan Skriniar did a solid job of marking Franck Ribery and even taking him out of the game (although, I’m sure that wasn’t the intent). It all means Spalletti’s crew has yet to fully realize where the defense stands. I mean, one thing we can all agree on is Miranda should not be allowed to pass anything backward.

Borja Valero seems to fit in nicely

Photo by Stanley Chou/Getty Images for ICC

I admit, I really wasn’t sure how this set up would work the Valero but there seems to be a nice complement with he and Joao Mario. They seem to have good spacing and have been able to read one another over the last three games. Toss in Geoffrey Kondogbia in the mix and there seems to be some hope for a midfield that did have questions leading into the preseason.

Putting two halves together

It still hasn’t happened yet, but the win over Bayern showed more potential of Inter being able to do it. Rebounding after what could only be classified as … well, I don’t even know how to classify that first half against Lyon … Inter seemed to come out of the gates with some offensive pressure and solid counter-attacking. Two things sorely missing against Lyon. It’s not there yet, but it’s the preseason and it really isn’t supposed to be.

Help is still needed

Photo by Stanley Chou/Getty Images for ICC

Yes it’s a win, but yes, it’s the preseason. This is the time where management and Spalletti need to be taking copious notes and start looking to plug holes. There is less than a month before the season starts and there are still places that need shoring up. It doesn’t matter who the rumor mill says we’re looking at, Inter needs some back-up in places. The defense is one place. For what little I have seen, I like Federico Valietti but he’s young. Despite the gelling of Valero, Kondogbia and Joao Mario, I would feel better with another solid midfielder or two.

Do you have observations from the game? Put them down in the comment section below.