Warning for Inter in Serie A title race: ‘Drained and fearful’

Referee decisions in a 1-1 draw against Atalanta on Saturday infuriated Inter, but Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport notes that the Nerazzurri looked ‘drained and fearful’ against La Dea.

Despite a 1-1 home draw against Atalanta on Saturday, Inter remain at the top of the Serie A standings with an eight-point lead over second-placed Milan.

Inter ‘drained and fearful’ against Atalanta

The Rossoneri have a game in hand, to be played against Lazio tonight, and a win would allow Massimiliano Allegri’s men to move five points below their city rivals with nine games remaining.

Besides the debatable refereeing decisions, Gazzetta dello Sport’s front page summed up Inter’s mood and shape against Atalanta in two words: “drained and fearful.”

Journalist Arianna Ravelli added: “It is clear that refereeing incidents end up affecting not only the match and the standings, but also the evaluations of Chivu’s team.

“What can be said is that an unattractive Inter had nevertheless gained an advantage that should have allowed them to face adversity, real or perceived, without harm. The way the team plays on the field must reflect that of a side that has earned the top spot and believes it deserves it. Simply managing the game is not enough.

“The truth is that Inter should have killed off a game that had a sluggish start and developed with overall lacklustre brilliance. What was missing was the ruthlessness and more courage. The contribution from the substitutes was also lacking: the changes definitely benefited Palladino more than Chivu.”

Former Milan coach Fabio Capello also argued that Chivu looked “a bit confused” and admitted that the decision to replace Pio Esposito in the second half was unconvincing.

Perhaps the next three league fixtures are the toughest remaining for Inter this season, as the Nerazzurri will first travel to Fiorentina, then host Roma, and then visit Como.

On the other hand, after tonight’s game against Lazio, Milan will face Torino at home, Napoli away and Udinese at home.