I disagree with some of you here, I saw a lot of improvement from Inter tonight:
1. Intensity: There was so much intensity and energy about Inter today - we were fighting for every ball, and that is always good to see. I haven't seen this much intensity from Inter in the last 4 years.
2. Purpose: One touch passing, trying to convert possession quickly into an attack. The intent from Mancio was clear - more direct football. This will take time to perfect, but the players were trying (except perhaps Kova), and this is where we will see the biggest change from the Mazzarri era.
3. Organisation: In 5 days of training, our defense looked far more organised with 2 CBs than it EVER did with 3. Whoever thought Juan + Ranocchia could form a decent partnership?! Yes, there were mistakes, but those were mostly caused when Ranocchia tried to cover for Nagatomo, etc. This was even more impressive given the fact that we were playing without any natural DM cover. When Medel and M'Vila are fit, our defense could improve further.
Combine the above 3 points with the fact that we have moved to a more dynamic 4 man defense, and also did not try to bore the hell out of everyone, Mancio had a bright start and has done more than I expected out of him in a week.
Another point here - FIF seriously underestimates this Milan. Inzaghi has been doing some really good work there and the movement of their strikers (Honda, Menez and SES) has been quite menacing this season. IMO Milan have one of the best attacks in the league, so our midfield's intensity and the organisation of our defense deserves some credit.
I can't wait to see this Inter grow, specially when we have Medel back and Osvaldo, Hernanes & M'Vila fit to start. For the first time, I am starting to believe that we can actually challenge Napoli & Milan for that 3rd spot this season. The games against Milan and Roma (next week) are not the key ones - its the games against the smaller clubs which will tell whether Mancio's work is paying off. Can't wait to find out.
Grazie Mancio for making me believe in Inter again.