UEL GW1 - Nagatomo to the rescue

Yuki Nagatomo scores for Internazionale v Rubin Kazan (GW1)

Yuki Nagatomo’s 92nd minute volley may have spared the blushes of Internazionale last week, but after what has been a disappointing start both domestically and on European duty for some of Italy’s major clubs, many expect the slide in form to continue going forward this season. For a country that is used to competing at the highest level in Europe, only 1 win from 6 matches last week in the UCL and UEL combined is going to be considered a disappointment. This after all, is the first season where Serie A has only been granted 3 entry births into the UCL, 1 of which, Udinese lost after they were eliminated in the playoff rounds falling into the UEL. Going forward into the UCL group stage are champions Juventus and 2nd placed finishers AC Milan, however any potential success from these two is unlikely, Juve lack attacking options while Milan just lack options in general. Domestically, the big guns have struggled also, the 2010 champions Milan are languishing in the bottom half of the league, and alongside their ground share rivals Inter have failed to win a single match at the San Siro this campaign. On Thursday, Inter’s opponents Rubin Kazan represented a stark contrast in which the Russian Premier League has in favour of Serie A as it continues to grow from strength to strength. With the likes of Zenit St. Petersberg and Anzhi Makhachkala flexing their financial muscle in the summer, the likes of Rubin have continued to grow in stature alongside them into a stubborn European outfit both home and away.

Internazionale Starting XI v Rubin Kazan
(UEL Group Stage)

The two sides lined up as expected, Rubin with an ultra-defensive approach on paper, a 4-5-1 formation, with the sitting midfielder Salvatore Bocchetti dropping into the back line when the Russians were out of possession. This left Salomon Rondon, a summer signing from Malaga to plough a lone role upfront. Inter lined up with a traditionally Italian 4-4-2 with diamond midfield, demanding both full backs to bomb on to support the attack. Once the match started however, it was Rubin who seemed to have their tactics down to a tee, hitting the Italians on the break repeatedly, after the Nerazzuri failed to infiltrate through a crowded central midfield area. Rubin’s wide men were particularly dangerous, and supported Rondon, who had the beating of Samuel and Ranocchia well. Gokdeniz Karadeniz was a sprightly outlet on the left, and proved too clever for the hapless Jonathan after 15 minutes inviting on a naïve challenge from the right back which cost Inter a penalty against them. Despite Handanovic’s heroics to deny the normally clinical Natcho, Alexander Ryazantsev was on hand to put the Russians ahead. Inter, were frustrated in the centre, with technical-yet not so mobile midfielders, they ended up being crowded out by the extra men of Rubin leading to dangerous counters that saw Ryazantsev and Eremenko go close to adding to the score.



Rubin Kazan Starting XI v Internazionale
(UEL Group Stage)

Late in the half, young Croat striker Livaja stole in to head into an open net after great work from Cambiasso, but in truth, these glimmers of quality from the home side, were brief. In the second half, Inter didn’t as many expected find a second gear despite changing around their team slightly bringing on the more creative Freddy Guarin in midfield, and switching Javier Zanetti back to his preferred right back position in place of the struggling Jonathan. In the end, the game threatened to fade away with both sides seemingly comfortable for settling for a point, until another dazzling counter attack from Rubin pounced again, with the superb Rondon taking advantage of a slow back line to slot past Handanovic, threatening a famous victory. The tactics had been played well, despite the poor form of Natcho, his midfield compatriots ran the match. Eremenko and Karadeniz were threatening down the flanks pinning back the full back options for Inter, while Ryazantsev remained potent from distant. In the end, you could argue that Inter’s man for man quality showed. The introduction of Alvaro Pereira and Diego Milito finally broke through a stubborn second half wall from the Russians, thanks to a majestic volley from Nagatomo. The team may have looked relieved, but months from now the home side will be certainly more displeased that they were unable to collect three points considering they have 3 unfavourable away trips to Kazan, Baku and Belgrade on the horizon in the group stage. 

The clear missing link was an individual with spark that could unlock a strong defensive unit, one Wesley Sneijder, who sat on the bench throughout. The problem at Inter at the moment, is with both league and cup commitments, he will need his rest sometimes, his replacements showed they are clearly not up to it. Despite a decent season away on loan Coutinho hasn’t returned to the fan fair expected by the supporters, while the ageing legs of Cassano and Milito are now firmly concentrated on getting goals rather than creating them. Further back, Inter could have relied on the legs of Maicon from right back, who they have yet to replace, while their defence as a whole looks a lot weaker after the exit of Lucio to Juventus in the summer. Another loss this weekend, at home once again, to Siena means that another Inter manager is skating on thin ice early on in the campaign. If it wasn’t for Milan’s even worse start of the season he would be feeling a heavy hand in his back from the fans, meaning he is likely to stay at least until either the Rossenari improve or Allegri leaves. 

With so much uncertainty in Italy, Rubin in contrast look like they have their tactics spot on in Europe. While well rehearsed in causing a great upset, be it at the Nou Camp or at the San Siro, home form and matches against weaker sides in the group need to be brought into line if they are going to progress far in the competition. Currently mid-table and for the most part unimpressive so far domestically, Rubin’s attentions may stay on Europe for much longer and with solid foundations, and an attack led by an impressive Rondon they could reach the latter stages of the competition.