Inter Milan Vs Hellas Verona, Testing Simone Inzaghi's Intuition

MILAN, SATURDAY - In Italy, Claudio Ranieri can be considered a coach with a keen intuition for selecting players. The intuition of the 73-year-old coach continues to sharpen with his experience managing numerous clubs and players. As one of the best coaches in Italy today, Simone Inzaghi is on a journey to refine his intuition in player selection. Hellas Verona is Inzaghi's next test in determining the starting lineup amidst a packed schedule.

Inzaghi, whether he likes it or not, must set priorities ahead of the match against Verona at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on Sunday (4/5/2025) at 01:45 WIB. This is because three days after facing Verona, Inter will have to host Barcelona in the second leg of the Champions League semifinals. In order to maintain player fitness and avoid the risk of injury, Inzaghi has indicated that he will rotate many players during the match against Verona.

Rotating players against Verona is the most rational choice that Inzaghi can make. Inter's chances of claiming the Serie A trophy have diminished as they trail four points behind Napoli at the top of the standings. Meanwhile, in the Champions League, the "Nerazzurri" still have a strong opportunity to advance to the final as the second leg will be played in front of their own supporters. In the first match at Barca's home ground, Inter secured a positive outcome with a 3-3 draw.

First, we have to think about Hellas Verona this weekend. Then, we can think about Barcelona again.

Inter's right-back, Denzel Dumfries, shone by scoring two goals and providing one assist in the match. After successfully holding Barcelona to a draw, Dumfries stated that his team must quickly shift their focus to Serie A.

"First, we must think about Hellas Verona this weekend. Then, we can think about Barcelona again. We know how important all our upcoming matches are," said Inter's right-back, Denzel Dumfries.

In addition to tactics, a coach's ability can be assessed by their decision in selecting players. The match against Verona could serve as a means to test Inzaghi's intuition in assembling the squad, considering the limited preparation time before facing Barca. In this regard, Inzaghi needs to learn from Ranieri, who has made several accurate decisions in selecting and substituting players.

That skill was demonstrated by Ranieri, who led Leicester City to win the English Premier League in 2016 with a modest squad. This season, with AS Roma, Ranieri has also showcased his "sixth sense" in determining which players are suitable to change the outcome of matches.

This was evident when Roma defeated Athletic Bilbao, 2-1, in the first match of the round of 16 in the Europa League. Ranieri's decision to send Eldor Shomurodov as a substitute paid off handsomely. Shomurodov ultimately scored the winning goal for Roma. Crucial decisions in selecting players will come with the experience of a coach.

Inzaghi's intuition will be honed in situations such as facing Verona. Inzaghi is likely to rotate his team in order to maintain hopes of catching up with Napoli and defeating Barca. The rotation is expected to allow Inter to "cross two islands in one paddle."

In the back line, Stevan De Vrij is likely to replace Francesco Acerbi as the center-back in a three-defender formation. Yan Bisseck will continue to play while Carlos Augusto will replace Alessandro Bastoni.

For the right wing-back position, Matteo Darmian is predicted to return to play. Meanwhile, Nicola Zalewski will replace Federico Dimarco on the left. Dumfries is also confirmed to receive some rest.

The midfield line of Inter is likely to be filled by Davide Frattesi, who will replace Nicolo Barella. Meanwhile, Kristjan Asllani is almost certain to take the place of Hakan Calhanoglu, who is absent due to suspension.

Crucial rotation targets the attacking line. Marcus Thuram is expected to be sidelined to avoid the risk of further injury, considering Lautaro Martinez is still in the recovery phase from his injury. Instead, Marko Arnautovic and Joaquin Correa are prepared as a striking duo.

Even with player rotations, Inter's chances of achieving a positive result against Verona are quite significant. The historical encounters between the two teams have so far favored Inter. In the last 20 meetings, Inter has never lost to Verona, securing 16 victories and four draws. Moreover, Verona is currently on a poor trend after suffering two consecutive defeats in their previous matches. The team, coached by Paolo Zanetti, is also struggling to move out of the mid-table zone.

If the player rotation ultimately fails to yield positive results for Inter, Inzaghi at least need not worry. His current priority should indeed be focused on the Champions League. Throughout his coaching career, Inzaghi has won many trophies in Italy. Winning the Champions League would mark a new historical achievement for Inzaghi, who has never conquered Europe either as a coach or as a player. (REUTERS)