Serpents of Madonnina - Inter Milan vs. Genoa, Nov. 3, 2018An Inter Milan community.2018-11-06T00:20:25+01:00http://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/rss/stream/178308812018-11-06T00:20:25+01:002018-11-06T00:20:25+01:00Man of the Match: Inter Milan vs Genoa
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<img alt="FC Internazionale v Genoa CFC - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OI1GTuvkBJrrH2dC-F-gHjXJRqM=/0x29:3000x2029/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62199027/1056928196.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Surprise heroes lead Inter to victory</p> <p class="p--has-dropcap" id="Pe5axr">A strong 5-0 outing this weekend planted the <em>Nerazzurri</em> second on the table. Such a one-sided result means a lot of things went right for several <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/">Inter Milan</a> players. There were a few performances that stood out while some of the key pieces rested up for the <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> fixture. So here are the contenders for man of the match:</p>
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<cite>Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</cite>
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<h3 id="t3qBBC">
<span>Roberto Gagliardini</span> </h3>
<p id="YCApgJ">Gags stated after this match that this is the type of game he needed. I couldn't agree more with that. His few appearances up to this point we're subpar. For him to record two goals, is astounding. There was even a bit of flair from the Italian with a roulette spin to escape a defender. All in all it was a great day for him, with no complaints to be had.</p>
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<cite>Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</cite>
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<h3 id="JrDeWL">Dalbert Henrique</h3>
<p id="9ngQ9l">This is not a typo friends. Dalbert answered the call against <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/genoa">Genoa</a> and deserves plenty of praise. He had great passing play with Joao Mario and Ivan Perisic up top. His crosses were nicely placed (although none found the mark). Defensively, he held his own and made a couple of key tackles in our own third. Dalbert was solid all around with no hair pulling moments. That's a 10 out of 10 by his standards.</p>
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<img alt="FC Internazionale v Genoa CFC - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dxS2UpKtnJZNhdqDVdScwL6cWac=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13393239/1056727220.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</cite>
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<h3 id="ONAMJY">Matteo Politano</h3>
<p id="iJHXpR">The newcomer continues to impress and is becoming one of the favorites to watch. A someone errant pass from Joao Mario turned into a phenomenal goal thanks to pure effort by Politano. His slashing runs inside create excitement every time he touches the ball. However, this match also showed his youth, with a few offensive buildups ending prematurely due to his indecision.</p>
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<img alt="FC Internazionale v Genoa CFC - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JJSxehshHVvOqWtnpit5yC-1RDo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13393241/1056920558.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</cite>
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<h3 id="dWUsQ2">Joao Mario</h3>
<p id="6bwQat">Well folks, he's back like it or not. The outcast found his way back onto the pitch and into the starting lineup this week. His return to the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium came with boos, but would be turned to belting cheers by the end of the 90 minutes. He recorded a 92% passing accuracy with two official assists. JM's goal was the finest of the match and his cross to Nainggolan in the final seconds was sublime. The wantaway took the opportunity given to him and dazzled the home crowd. </p>
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<cite>Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</cite>
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<h3 id="aOsz5O">Milan Skriniar</h3>
<p id="lQro5r">What more is there to say about this huge presence in the Inter defense. Skriniar continues to prove himself as one of the best defenders in the world. With the way Luciano Spalletti's squad works from the back, he can also act as our point guard in the half court similar to Marcelo Brozovic. Everything starts through him. As such, he recorded the most touches of anyone on the pitch. Always there when called upon, he is the mainstay our defensive unit needs.</p>
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<img alt="FC Internazionale v Genoa CFC - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8SHGluDSuR7L3XPdp0KeiapJb10=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13393249/1056940208.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</cite>
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<h2 id="TDi4vr">Man of the match: Joao Mario</h2>
<p class="c-end-para" id="DfMuru">Bravo, sir. Hopefully this story can continue to write itself to greatness. That €40 million still has fans irked, but this is a perfect start to his road to redemption. If nothing more, this cements him into Spalletti's midfield rotation.</p>
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<p id="W8x1iV"><em>Who was your man of the match? What are your thoughts on JM's contribution moving forward? Let us know in the comment section!</em></p>
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https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/2018/11/6/18061066/man-of-the-match-inter-milan-vs-genoa-joao-mario-matteo-politano-milan-skriniarCam Nelson2018-11-03T17:10:44+01:002018-11-03T17:10:44+01:00Internazionale keep cruising with 5-0 win against Genoa
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<img alt="FC Internazionale v Genoa CFC - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cmK3WAZRhUG7YNcbuMCptfJQr8I=/0x166:3000x2166/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62175799/1056775354.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Roberto Gagliardini of FC Internazionale celebrates his second goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Genoa CFC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 3, 2018 in Milan, Italy. | Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Some starters rested for Champions League and Inter still breeze through.</p> <p id="J9eRPw">It was a different look for <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/">Inter Milan</a> Saturday as they took on <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/genoa">Genoa</a> at the Giuseppe Meazza.</p>
<p id="QYtbqF">But, it didn’t seem to matter as Genoa’s weak defense coupled with the brilliant play of Joao Mario (yes, I said Joao Mario), pushed Internazionale to a 4-0 win.</p>
<p id="rG24bJ">It was the seventh consecutive Serie A win for Inter, helping them keep pace with <a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/">Juventus</a> and <a href="https://www.thesirenssong.com/">Napoli</a>.</p>
<p id="SvYTki">Mario had one goal and two assists after being restored to the team only a week ago. <span>Roberto Gagliardini</span> picked up a brace for the <em>Nerazzurri</em> and had two chances late in the match for a hat trick.</p>
<p id="tqf974">Luciano Spalletti elected to give rest to normal starters <span>Mauro Icardi</span>, <span>Radja Nainggolan</span> and Joao Miranda. Surprisingly enough, Spalletti elected to start Mario in midfield along with Roberto Gagliardini, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Politano. </p>
<p id="tUyHkw">Lautaro Martinez — who scored in his last start — got the nod for Icardi and Henrique Dalbert was put in for Miranda. Sime Vrsaljko was also rested along with <span>Kwadwo Asamoah</span>.</p>
<p id="YruDLo">Internazionale didn’t waste a lot of time to take advantage of a different lineup for Genoa. </p>
<p id="ItQR5J">In the 13<sup>th</sup> minute, Mario found Roberto Gagliardini for a light touch as the Genoa defense looked confused and without focus.</p>
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<p lang="it" dir="ltr">Inter 1-0 Genoa (Gagliardini) and Joao Mario involved in the buildup <a href="https://t.co/2v43dTENyn">pic.twitter.com/2v43dTENyn</a></p>— InterYa (@InterYaMedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/InterYaMedia/status/1058725687434137600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2018</a>
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<p id="pOWXpv">Mario came through in the 16<sup>th</sup> minute when he found Politano who streaked into the clear and fired a shot from his left that went past Ionut Radu and into the back of the net, pushing Inter’s lead to 2-0 early in the first half.</p>
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<p lang="it" dir="ltr">Inter 2-0 Genoa (Matteo Politano) Joao Mario with the assist <a href="https://t.co/cvVRfduuwa">pic.twitter.com/cvVRfduuwa</a></p>— InterYa (@InterYaMedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/InterYaMedia/status/1058726618624131072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2018</a>
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<p id="av0T3l">Just after halftime, Gagliardini collected his brace after Ivan Perisic nearly found the back of the net. On a cross in, Radu misplayed the save allowing Perisic to threaten, but his attempt was pushed aside only to have Gagliardini clean up the mess in the 49<sup>th</sup> minute and put Inter up 3-0.</p>
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<p lang="it" dir="ltr">Inter 3-0 Genoa (Gagliardini ⚽️⚽️) <a href="https://t.co/sfkdhS5lid">pic.twitter.com/sfkdhS5lid</a></p>— InterYa (@InterYaMedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/InterYaMedia/status/1058740013293297664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2018</a>
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<p id="t3T7sq">It was Gagliardini’s first Serie A brace with Inter.</p>
<p id="B2odk7">Finally, Mario got his name on the score sheet with a solid left-footed shot just inside the area in extra time that Radu was barely able to put a hand on in the bottom right corner of the net.</p>
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<p lang="it" dir="ltr">Quando segna Joao Mario.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InterGenoa?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InterGenoa</a> <a href="https://t.co/vspXq7anBQ">pic.twitter.com/vspXq7anBQ</a></p>— delinquentweet (@delinquentweet) <a href="https://twitter.com/delinquentweet/status/1058749799506284545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2018</a>
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<p id="08YOUC">To add insult to injury, Nainggolan — who has been out since suffering an injury in the Derby della Madonnina — came in the match for Brozovic in stoppage time only to put a shot past Radu just minutes after coming on and giving the <em>Nerazzurri</em> a 5-0 win.</p>
<p class="c-end-para" id="w8D2c9">Internazionale Milano will stay at home Tuesday when they host <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> in the second <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> meeting between the two teams. Barcelona currently leads Group B with nine points while Inter is in second with six.</p>
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<p id="74lTxM"><em>What do you think? Post your comments below!</em></p>
https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/2018/11/3/18058946/internazionale-keep-cruising-with-5-0-win-against-genoa-roberto-gagliardini-joao-mario-serie-aM.A. Clark2018-11-03T00:19:35+01:002018-11-03T00:19:35+01:00Inter Milan vs Genoa: Preview, live stream and how to watch
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<img alt="SS Lazio v FC Internazionale - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ziPtAhReRMr_KrA5QEmtV7k4Cmg=/0x16:3328x2235/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62171279/1055274786.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Inter host Genoa at San Siro as they look to make it seven unbeaten in Serie A</p> <p class="p--has-dropcap" id="xoP4iA">Inter picked up a huge result versus <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/lazio">Lazio </a>on Wednesday as they were able to control possession on and create scoring opportunities early and often. A brace from Icardi along with a goal from Brozovic gave Inter the 3-0 victory. </p>
<p id="8I8q0g">Despite the dominant result, the defense did have some shaky moments in the match and will have to fix these mistakes to pick up 3 points against a scrappy <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/genoa">Genoa</a> side that tied <a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/">Juventus</a> in Turin.</p>
<p id="yIlcol">Inter’s form in October was about as good as fans could have hoped, the <em>Nerazzurri</em> picked up their second <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> victory against PSV Eindhoven, defeated SPAL, beat Milan with a stoppage time goal from Icardi in the season’s first Derby della Madonnina and finished off with the Lazio victory. The team’s only misstep came against FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou as they lost 2-0 to the Catalan giants. Despite this they still control their own destiny in the group in Champions League and sit tied at second in Serie A.</p>
<p id="xl6OGP">October was a month of ups and downs for Genoa. They lost 3-1 to newly promoted side <a href="https://www.crusaderschorus.com/">Parma</a>, then tied with Juventus 1-1 in Turin, tied with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/udinese">Udinese</a> 2-2 and lost to Milan on Wednesday on a stoppage time goal 2-1. Despite only gaining 2 points, Genoa still sits at 11th in the table and will look to bounce back from the disappointing result against Milan.</p>
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<img alt="SS Lazio v FC Internazionale - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4rBuTxJXFPow6ATWL0GiKz_SvUs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13355101/1055274828.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images</cite>
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<h1 id="351lrO"><strong>Inter Team News</strong></h1>
<p id="gQxUCP"><a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/">Inter Milan</a> has been missing <span>Radja Nainggolan</span> who <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/2018/10/22/18009594/radja-nainggolan-out-for-barcelona-lazio-clashes-ivan-perisic-inter-milan-marcelo-brozovic-barcelona">picked up a left ankle sprain versus AC Milan</a>. It looks like <a href="https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-italy-int-gen/inter-say-nainggolan-could-return-against-genoa-idUKKCN1N71WN">Nainggolan could be back</a>, Luciano Spalletti mentioned this week that the midfielder would be in the squad this weekend. It is likely that Nainggolan will not start though and will see a limited role as the team eases him back into the lineup.</p>
<p id="oH6kNa">Inter lined up in a 4-2-3-1 versus Barcelona on Wednesday and switched to a 4-3-3 for the Lazio match. With Barcelona coming to San Siro on Tuesday, Inter could rotate their squad against Genoa and line up in that 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 depending on who Spalletti decides to call on for this match. Players such as Candreva, Martinez, Valero, Joao Mario and Keita could all see minutes against Genoa as they have been sparingly so far this season.</p>
<p id="WdtfCn">The depth of the squad this season is much improved from season’s past. It would be surprising for the <em>Nerazzurri</em> to not take advantage of this to their advantage against Genoa as they prepare for a big match against Barcelona on Tuesday.</p>
<p id="IMHSUz"><strong>Projected XI:</strong> Handanovic, Vrsaljko, de Vrij, Miranda, Asamoah; Valero, Vecino, Balde, Martinez, Candreva, Icardi</p>
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<img alt="Genoa CFC v Udinese - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/alQVwkR8UUWlkYTT7nhonNChbEw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13377437/1054632396.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Paolo Rattini/Getty Images</cite>
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<h1 id="JsbGYX"><strong>Genoa Team News</strong></h1>
<p id="0vqn5c">Genoa’s form has been up and down as of late. A disappointing result against AC Milan after a tough fought match will have Genoa motivated to get a result versus Inter. The team currently sits in the middle of the table with 4 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses on the season. They have not won a match since their September 30th clash against <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/frosinone-calcio-italy">Frosinone</a>. </p>
<p id="f6x9RP">Genoa will be <a href="https://eurofantasyleague.com/news/2018/11/02/serie-a-injury-report-round-11/#.W9yU6ZNKhQI">missing some key players</a> tomorrow. Two players are confirmed to be out of the game, Domenico Criscito with a suspension and Federimo Marchetti with a thigh strain. Andrea Favilli and Nicolas Spolli are both nursing injuries and their status for the match is uncertain. </p>
<p id="nCqqB1">The Genoa defense has been among the worst in Serie A with 19 goals conceded. With the loss of Criscito who has played every minute this season on that back line and the potential limited role or loss of Spolli their back line will be depleted for this match. </p>
<p id="qz7GWU"><strong>Projected XI:</strong> Radu; Gunter, Biraschi, Zukanovic, Pereira, Romulo, Hiljemark, Lazovic, Pandev, Kouame, Piatek</p>
<h1 id="f6GyW0"><strong>Prediction</strong></h1>
<p id="IlsdTW">With 2 key cogs missing in an already struggling defense, I think Inter will be too much for Genoa to handle. If all goes according to plan, Nainggolan will get to play some minutes and some squad players will be able to get valuable match time and pull of a solid result. Inter’s attack will be too overbearing for a Genoa defense that’s conceded 19 goals to handle. Piatek has been dangerous for them though, scoring 9 goals so far in Serie A. I see this match finishing in a 4-1 win for Inter.</p>
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<h1 id="ywkHpz"><strong>How to watch</strong></h1>
<p id="qLCSFI"><strong>Date and time: </strong>10 a.m. (ET) Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018</p>
<p id="ZzckIE"><strong>Location: </strong>Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Milan</p>
<p id="LlHRuB"><strong>TV/Streaming: </strong>In the United States, you can watch the match on ESPN+. In the United Kingdom, the match will be on Eleven Sport. SKY Go Italia, Sky Supercalcio HD, Sky Calcio 1 and Sky Sport Serie A will have the match in Italy.</p>
<p class="c-end-para" id="6kPJ9v">Click <a href="https://www.livesoccertv.com/match/3071973/internazionale-vs-genoa/">here</a> to find out how you can watch the match!</p>
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<p id="S2r3a6"><em>What do you think? Post your comments below!</em></p>
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<p id="Henf4B"></p>
https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/2018/11/3/18052308/inter-milan-vs-genoa-preview-live-stream-and-how-to-watch-serie-a-radja-nainggolan-mauro-icardielmer.plasencia2018-11-01T13:30:02+01:002018-11-01T13:30:02+01:00How Inter Milan’s underachievers could actually be useful
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<img alt="Fluminense v Santos - Brasileirao Series A 2018" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eNPEq1Ise9hg8fIhry_SsbCir5c=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61982993/973817954.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alexandre Loureiro/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p><em>A closer look at two fan favorites :-) and their possible contributions to our surging squad.</em></p> <p class="p--has-dropcap" id="kaCj32">Guys that watch the NBA knows that it’s more than basketball: It’s a media circus, a beautiful mess of athletic brilliance, pettiness, grown men acting like teenagers, smart people acting smart, dumb people acting dumb, the occasional in-between, and perfect systemic money-making that runs everyday, even in the offseason. You might not like the extra-court stuff that much, but it’s something special.</p>
<p id="N2UGQU">One of the thing I really like about the NBA is the quotes, whether it’s from coaches, players, or reporters. One that often comes to my mind (and has gotten extremely famous over the years) even when I’m watching football is ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla describing Bruno Caboclo as being two years from being two years away in the 2014 Draft Night. Over the years, the term has become somewhat of a cult phrase, used to describe raw prospects in sports, young players who are not ready *yet* or are flat-out bad. Or, you know, bad players, whatever their age.</p>
<p id="9gs20x">Well, let me tell you something: Fran Fraschilla would’ve described Joao Mario and Gabriel “Gabigol” Barbosa as being 20 years from being 20 years if he watched football and observed them at <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/">Inter Milan</a>. </p>
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<img alt="Uruguay v Portugal: Round of 16 - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yxW1CNpSucaMqoGEyhYGGFbmdSI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13367661/988221892.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Why, oh why could we not get the same production out of Joao Mario that Portugal did?</figcaption>
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<p id="oTdaPD">Joao Mario became a <em>Nerrazzuro</em> in August 2016 for a total fee of €45 million, fresh off a Euro 2016 victory with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/portugal">Portugal</a>. Twenty-three years old at the time, brillant with the ball, bursting with pace and skill, relentless in defense, precise in his passing: Mario had all of the qualities of the modern all-around midfielder, and his versatility on the pitch that he could be played at more than one position. </p>
<p id="jRxE3y">Mario had a decent first season at the Giuseppe Meazza, finishing with three goals and five assists in 22 appearances. However, in those 22 games, Mario started only eight times, which led to his frustration about his playing time. The next year, Mario took part in only nine games for Inter (and played like butt whenever he had the chance), constantly complained about his playing time, got loaned to West Ham in January, failed to make an impact there also, openly refused to come back to the club, criticized the team, came back anyway, got benched, continued to complain and was finally seen on the pitch on Monday against <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/lazio">Lazio</a> (3-0 victory) for 57 minutes.</p>
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<img alt="Fluminense v Santos - Brasileirao Series A 2018" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PMeT7J_z6FjKtbCI91n_yEvmeEw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13367665/973817950.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Alexandre Loureiro/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Yeah, we were kind of frustrated too Gabigol.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="1Kjrq5">Gabigol’s story was even more tragic. At 20 years old, he already had 56 goals in 154 matches in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/brazil">Brazil</a>ian league with Santos, and was hailed as the next Ronaldo, which convinced some guys in charge of a certain Blue and Black Milanese club to drop 30 million Euros on him. Who would have thought?</p>
<p id="Gb8UyT">Except that Gabigol scored only one goal in 10 Serie A appearances and when he was later loaned to Benfica, he didn’t get any better: he played only five games, and scored a single, lonely goal. But things seem to be working out for him, now that he’s back in Brazil after another 1-year loan deal at Santos. 17 goals in 37 matches, and now he’s got us thinking.</p>
<p id="jLKN7B">It’s no secret that those two coulda/shoulda’ve been better for Inter. The fact that neither one played meaningful minutes for the <em>Nerrazzuri </em>or contributed valuable goals or assists that helped the team’s goals is hurting. They are flops, there’s no way to sugarcoat it. But they could still be useful flops,<em> a la </em>Victor Moses for <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a>. And maybe we shouldn’t leave the Gabigol bandwagon that early, considering he’s only 22 years old and <em>could </em>improve. Still not convinced about these two? Let me explain.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="ACF Fiorentina v FC Internazionale - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SYmSTGuzAyh9xxj9DAN9nxOrQn0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13367671/901905888.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Oh, what could have been with Joao Mario?</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="255RRt">Against Lazio on Monday, Mario didn’t light the stadium on fire with his performance, but he wasn’t a waste either. This gets interesting, considering that this game was his first since May. Mario had a pretty unimpressive 79.5 percent passing, no interceptions, no key passes, didn’t win any aerial duels, and had 3 bad touches on the ball. But his energy and focus were a welcome sight, and it was good to see him fighting through his rustiness. </p>
<p id="QFo6ie">He had two tackles, a blocked pass, one clearance, and pressed hard while keeping possession. Sure those are little things, and they are average at this level, but it’s the little things that add up. Somewhere inside the player we saw yesterday, there must be some traces of that gem we saw at Euro 2016. </p>
<p id="TEPkg9">Just two years ago, Mario played in every Portugal game at the Euros, with cool numbers: 85.7 percent passing accuracy, 1.6 key passes. 1.4 dribbles, 1.3 shots. Whether he was aligned on the right-hand side of a 4-4-2, or flanked William Carvalho in a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3, Mario looked good. I mean, really good, like he never looked for Inter. And even now, after everything, we can still remember why Inter wanted him: In his last season with Sporting CP, Mario had 6 goals and 11 assists in 33 league appearances, really balling out. </p>
<p id="UfjuDT">If somehow Luciano Spalletti finds a way to bring those stats again out of Mario, there may be a spot for him in our rotation: he can take care of the ball, as his passing accuracy of 83.3 percent in his first year with us showed, making him an asset in the No. 8 role, and his energy, ability to defend and also attack would represent the best of both worlds between <span>Roberto Gagliardini</span> and Mattia Vecino. </p>
<p id="F2mqTZ"><span>Radja Nainggolan</span> plays an attacking midfielder these days (and that may be his best spot on the pitch), <span>Borja Valero</span>, while being more experienced and a better passer than Mario, lacks the explosiveness of the Portuguese midfielder and workhorse mentality that might be needed as a central midfielder. So basically, he would be fighting with Gagliardini for minutes alongside Brozovic and Vecino and would be that extra midfielder that Spalletti was fighting so much to get, last summer. I might be overselling Mario here, but there may be a place for him on the team if he gets back to even a fraction of his old level, and if he quits his whining about playing time.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FC Internazionale v Cagliari - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zulvQAoIeq7AQo4cGWZCUt0WQCQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13185433/1043148436.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Is Lautaro the answer to back up Mauro Icardi?</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="6okXZh">Fitting Gabigol in this squad is harder to picture. Last summer, Inter invested in Lautaro Martinez, which at this point is <span>Mauro Icardi</span>’s backup. So far the Argentinian hasn’t produced elite numbers (only one goal in two appearances) but this might be due to a certain lack of opportunities. Being Icardi’s backup does that to you. And overall, the skill sets of both young strikers might be overlapping, as their abilities to play as a lone striker, behind Icardi, or on a wing. </p>
<p id="3pmAqN">But Gabigol’s success in Brazil means either one of these two things: he’s only successful in his home country and can’t fit the European physical brand of football (bad), or he lacked the opportunities and the stable environment and presence of a good coach that would’ve put him in the ultimate position to succeed. While we can’t put all the blame of his bad performances on our situation back then (After all, he was insignificant at Benfica), having a coaching carousel and ownership change in his first steps didn’t help boost his performances one bit. </p>
<p id="PJPSyu">As a teenager from Brazil who had no prior experience a in a notoriously harsh league, this was one of the worst situations he could’ve been in and I kinda feel like we own him a second chance. Anyhow, if the Keita loan doesn’t work out or if <span>Antonio Candreva</span> isn’t there next year, or * <em>starts putting on protective gear to duck thrown chairs</em> * even Mauro Icardi, he could be useful. His goal-scoring ability could work wonders coming off the bench or he could be the much-needed 2nd goalscoring option behind the Captain, considering that Martinez isn’t contributing right away. </p>
<p class="c-end-para" id="6jhhPP">Improvement is the key to success, and necessary to attain one’s objectives. Inter is surging right now, but there are some spots on the squad that need fixing, and help in these departments may come from players on the squad itself, even if these guys didn’t have the best experiences with us so far. Even if it’s no secret that Mario and Gabigol have disappointed, it must not be a foregone conclusion that they can’t still contribute.</p>
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<p id="pK6aiW">What do you think? Post your comments below!</p>
https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/2018/11/1/18045802/how-inter-milans-underachievers-could-actually-be-useful-joao-mario-gabriel-barbosa-internazionaleÉdouard Germain