Inzaghi confronts unprecedented injury crisis as Inter prepare for Feyenoord test
Feyenoord vs Inter
Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi finds himself navigating uncharted waters as his team prepares to face Feyenoord in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie on Wednesday, grappling with an unprecedented defensive injury crisis that has decimated his squad’s fullback options. The Serie A leaders, coming off a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Napoli in domestic action, are heading into this crucial European encounter with four of their five fullbacks—Federico Dimarco, Nicola Zalewski, Carlos Augusto, and Matteo Darmian—sidelined by injury, leaving Inzaghi with a tactical puzzle to solve in one of the most critical phases of the season. Adding to the woes, first-choice goalkeeper Yann Sommer remains unavailable, further stretching Inter’s resources at a time when their depth and resilience will be tested against a formidable Feyenoord side. Despite the mounting challenges, Inzaghi exuded a steely resolve during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, emphasizing that while the situation is far from ideal, his team is ready to adapt and compete with the same principles that have propelled them to the top of the Italian league and into the Champions League knockout stages. For Inzaghi, this is not just a test of his squad’s ability to perform under pressure, but a personal milestone in his managerial career, as he admitted he has never encountered such a concentrated injury crisis in a single positional group since taking up coaching.
The scale of Inter’s predicament is striking, particularly in the fullback department, where the absence of Dimarco, Zalewski, Augusto, and Darmian has left Inzaghi with limited natural options on the flanks—a situation he described as unparalleled in his tenure. “We know we're in a bit of trouble in a very specific part of the pitch,” he told reporters, acknowledging the unique challenge of having four left-sided fullbacks injured simultaneously. “It had never happened to me since I've been coaching, because I have five fullbacks and all four who can play on the left have been injured.” This extraordinary run of misfortune has forced Inzaghi to rethink his defensive setup, likely relying on makeshift solutions or players out of their natural positions to fill the gaps. Yet, rather than dwell on the adversity, Inzaghi framed it as an opportunity for his squad to demonstrate their adaptability and character. “The principles of the game don’t change,” he insisted, underscoring that Inter’s identity—built on a foundation of disciplined defending, fluid attacking play, and tactical cohesion—remains intact regardless of personnel. With the Champions League’s demanding schedule offering no respite, Inzaghi’s confidence stems from the meticulous preparation that has carried Inter this far, as well as the collective spirit he has observed in his players. “We don’t think, we play, knowing that we are in a big emergency,” he said, signaling a pragmatic approach to the tie that prioritizes action over lamentation.
Despite the injury setbacks, Inzaghi’s faith in his squad’s ability to rise to the occasion is unwavering, a sentiment bolstered by the “great willingness” he has seen from his players in training. Inter’s journey to the Round of 16 has been marked by consistent performances in both Europe and Serie A, where they currently lead the standings, and Inzaghi is determined to maintain that momentum even with a depleted roster. “We know what work we’ve done to get here,” he noted, reflecting on the effort that has positioned Inter as one of Italy’s standard-bearers on the continental stage. The absence of key players like Sommer and the fullback quartet undoubtedly complicates matters, but Inzaghi views it as an inherent part of football’s unforgiving nature. “This is football and this is the calendar we have to face,” he remarked, accepting the grueling fixture list as a challenge to be met head-on rather than an excuse for underperformance. For Inter, the first leg in Rotterdam is a pivotal moment in their Champions League campaign, and Inzaghi stressed its importance in setting the tone for the tie. “It’s a two-legged tie, but the lads know that the first leg is very important for us to go through,” he explained, highlighting the need to secure a favorable result on the road despite the “small problems” his team must resolve. His optimism is tempered by realism, but the resolve in his voice suggests a manager who believes his squad can overcome the odds through sheer determination and tactical ingenuity.
Facing Feyenoord at De Kuip adds another layer of complexity to Inter’s task, as the Dutch side has already proven itself a giant-killer in this season’s Champions League. Inzaghi is well aware of the hostile environment and physical challenge that awaits his team, drawing on his own playing experience to underscore the difficulty of the venue. “I played there in 2000 with Lazio. I haven’t been there as a coach yet, but I know it’s a heated environment,” he recalled, referencing a match from his days as a striker when he encountered the fervent atmosphere firsthand. Feyenoord’s passionate supporters, combined with their team’s aggressive, high-energy style, make De Kuip a notoriously tough place for visiting sides, and this season’s results only amplify that reputation. The Eredivisie outfit has already stunned Bayern Munich and AC Milan in the competition, dispatching two of Europe’s traditional powerhouses with a blend of physicality and quality that Inzaghi respects deeply. “They’re a physical team with great quality,” he said, acknowledging Feyenoord’s ability to compete with—and defeat—the continent’s elite. For Inter, who are missing key defensive personnel, containing Feyenoord’s dynamic attack will require a Herculean effort, particularly in a stadium where the crowd can act as a 12th man. Inzaghi’s recognition of these past upsets serves as a warning to his players, but also as motivation to approach the game with the focus and intensity needed to avoid becoming Feyenoord’s next high-profile scalp.
As Inter prepare to step into this cauldron, Inzaghi’s game plan will hinge on adaptability and resilience, qualities that have defined his tenure at the club. While the injury crisis poses a significant hurdle, he views it as a collective challenge rather than an individual burden, trusting in the versatility of his squad to fill the voids left by the absent fullbacks and goalkeeper. “I’ve seen great willingness from all the lads,” he reiterated, pointing to the unity and determination within the group as a source of strength. The return leg at San Siro on March 12 looms large, but Inzaghi’s immediate focus is on Wednesday’s clash, where a positive result could provide a crucial advantage in the tie. “We know there will be a return leg, but we have to think about tomorrow,” he emphasized, underscoring the need to navigate the absences and Feyenoord’s strengths with a performance that reflects Inter’s pedigree. For a coach facing the most unusual injury crisis of his career, Inzaghi’s confidence is striking, rooted in a belief that his team’s spirit and tactical foundation can carry them through even the toughest circumstances. As the Nerazzurri descend on Rotterdam, they do so as a wounded but defiant unit, ready to battle for a place in the Champions League quarter-finals against a Feyenoord side eager to add another chapter to their burgeoning European story.
