Matri goal leaves Inter searching for silver linings after Derby loss

As Inter Milan slipped to sixth in Italy’s Serie A you could already imagine the tick, tick of the volume dial on the Andrea Stramaccioni debate. We’re at the point where any negative result will stoke some embers under the 37-year-old boss, though after today’s 2-1 loss to Juventus at the San Siro, the positives should be noted in any fair evaluation of the Inter boss. Hopefully, the debate about the young Stramaccioni’s quality can saty in stasis for a few more days.

The Nerazzurri fell behind early in today’s Derby d’Italia only to equalize early in the 54th minute through Rodrigo Palacio, just deserts for the effort given after the opening goal. But six minutes later, a breakdown allowed Juve to move through the middle of Inter’s defense, with the effort of Fabio Quagliarella rescuing a ball from touch and finding Alessandro Matri at the near post. Adding an assist to his opening goal, Quagliarella allowed Matri to beat Andrea Ranocchia and hammer the winner past a helpless Samir Handanovic.

It was Juventus playing to type. Over the course of 90 minutes, the only thing that separated their opponents was a few pieces of execution, most noticeably on the second goal. The sides were basically even in shots on goal (6-5, Inter) and possession (50-50), but after going ahead on the hour, Juventus locked down the match. Their win temporarily puts them 12 points clear at the top of Serie A, and with Bayern Munich visiting Turin on Tuesday, you can’t blame Bianconeri supporters for further indulging dreams of European glory.

But in Juventus’s need to show their first place form was a testament to Inter’s burgeoning. Though the Nerazzurri seemed to be slipping earlier this month, that now appears to be more of a phase than a pattern. Still hold a match-in-hand over Lazio and Fiorentina (the two teams above them in the standings), Inter have reason for hope.

Under normal circumstances Inter’s Saturday effort would have cashed in on that hope, but against a team used to stretching the smallest of margins into three-point chasms, Inter were left empty-handed. But that state shouldn’t overshadow the performance Stramaccioni was able to get out of his team, just as Inter’s elimination from Europa League shouldn’t make people forget they embarrassed Tottenham over 90 minutes two weeks ago. If Inter can carry that momentum forward, they may yet challenge for a Champions League spot.

Stramaccioni’s results need to improve, but after two good performances against quality opposition, now is not the time to fuel an inquest. Instead, it would be better to look at what Inter’s done well and ask whether that can be carried forward to Wednesday’s match at Sampdoria.