Can Ibrahimovic and Inter be denied?
Following a terrific 3-0 win in the Stadio Olimpico against Lazio, Jose Mourinho’s charges have opened up a nine point gap at the top of Serie ‘A’. Goals from Walter Samuel, a Modibo Diakite own goal and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (above) gave Inter their sixth consecutive victory. The question now is who can stop them?
Champions in the previous two campaigns under Roberto Mancini, Inter have changed their style of play since the summer arrival of the self proclaimed ‘Special One’. The signings of Mancini, the Brazilian winger, the enigmatic Ricardo Quaresma and the former Portsmouth midfielder Sulley Muntari, have seen Inter move to a 4-3-3 formation favoured by Mourinho at Chelsea, with the mercurial Ibrahimovic as the spearhead. Also, with just one defeat in the league , the Milan derby thanks to a Ronaldinho goal, Mourinho has set about creating a mean defence, with his side being very hard to beat. Once again, with nearest rivals Juve and AC having both been beaten three times already, they look unstoppable in their pursuit of the Scudetto once more.
Yet its glory in Europe which is why Mourinho was signed up. Massimo Moratti has long been denied in his dream of seeing Inter crowned as champions of Europe. This is effectively the reason why Mancini was let go, as it was believed that he couldn’t get the job done. Mourinho has been there and won it before, with his pragmatic Porto side which was heavily reliant on the creativity of Deco.
Now his job is to take a side packed full of talent and to make them champions of Europe, something he failed to do at Stamford Bridge. He perhaps has the most talented striker around today in the giant Swede Ibrahimovic, yet he is also perhaps the most frustrating. He is the biggest reason why Inter will win the title in Italy once more. He scores consistently and is always near the top of the assists charts. The former Ajax and Juventus player makes things happen week in week out, creating magic for his side.
Yet in Europe he’s like a different player. When the knockout stages get underway, (witness Liverpool last season), he tends to go missing. He doesn’t produce the big moments/ goals of which he is unquestionably capable (witness his goal for Sweden against Greece at Euro 2008). If Mourinho can get him to perform in Europe the way he does in Serie ‘A’ then he could make the difference between them falling in the quarter-finals again, or lifting the trophy in Rome come May.
However, if they don’t win the Champions League this season then at least Jose and Zlatan have the league title to fall back on. Because once again no one looks like being able to even get close to Inter, let alone challenge them.
