Absence Ghosts Haunt Inter Ahead of Atletico Madrid Showdown

Inter's final workout before Madrid clash

Inter Milan conducted its final training session on Tuesday ahead of traveling to Madrid to face Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano in the fifth matchday of the Champions League group stage, set for tomorrow, Wednesday.

According to Italian outlet Football Italia, five key players were missing: Denzel Dumfries, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Matteo Darmian, Rafael Di Gennaro, and Tiago Tomas Palacios. The quintet is likely to miss the Atletico clash. Inter then faces a tough CL run, with Liverpool and Arsenal at San Siro before concluding against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park.

Inter have opened their group with four wins from four, on 12 points, level with Bayern Munich and Arsenal who sit first and second in the Group standings.

Big-match jitters under Kevo

Kevo's record in big games is causing concern, as the latest derby defeat to Milan (0-1) marks the latest setback in crucial clashes. They also lost to Napoli and Juventus, with four defeats in Serie A so far this season.

After the Milan derby, Kevo said: "I see my players giving their all in training; I cannot blame anyone, and I won't look for excuses. We are in this together, and everyone is responsible for what the team delivers."

The loss to Milan stung especially as the game saw the woodwork hit twice in the first half, while Turkish midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu missed a penalty.

He added: "We could all have done better; we could have scored earlier or handled moments more effectively. Now we must bounce back."

Kevo's ascent with Inter

The Romanian coach Kevo, who won a treble with Inter in 2010 under Mourinho, landed one of Europe’s top jobs after only a few senior games in management.

At 45, Kevo rescued Parma from relegation after replacing Fabio Pecchia in February. Inter's current form does not reflect a lack of experience, but he has yet to prove himself on the major stage.

The absence of right-back Denzel Dumfries, a key figure with Federico Dimarco in the wing, would narrow Inter's attacking options. Dumfries has scored in two CL matches, but an ankle injury will keep him out until next month.

Likewise, substitute Matteo Darmian remains sidelined with a calf problem, while Brazilian Carlos Augusto, who covers Dimarco, has offered limited contributions on the opposite flank.

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Thuram reassures Inter fans

Marcus Thuram, Inter's star, said the derby defeat would not dent the Nerazzurri's belief in Kevo and the project, stressing that one loss cannot alter the club's path.

According to DAZN, Inter pressed forward, hitting the post twice in the first half via Acerbi and Lautaro Martinez, but Milan's Christian Pulisic scored the decisive goal to give the Rossoneri a 1-0 win.

There was a late penalty chance after Thuram was fouled, but Hakan Calhanoglu's spot kick was saved by Mike Maignan.

When asked about the near-miss, Thuram said: "I should have aimed the ball the other way; the ball came from one side and deserved a move to the opposite direction."

Inter's record against big clubs remains problematic: losses to Juventus, Napoli, and Milan this season, with only a win over Roma to their name; Milan beat Bologna, Napoli, Roma, and Inter, while Inter drew with Juventus despite not fully controlling the match.

Thuram added: "I can't explain everything, but with the coach we'll find solutions. It's a big game, but it's still November; there are many matches ahead."

Inter also appear vulnerable on the counterattack when they lose possession, which shows the need for defensive improvements.

Thuram: "We want to keep the ball more; when we lose it, we become exposed to counters. In Europe, Milan and Real Madrid are among the most dangerous counter-attack teams."

He concluded: "We lost, but we're on the right track. We trust the coach and the project, so one defeat won't change our view. There are always things to improve, but we can't just throw everything behind us."

Punchlines

Sniper punchline: If injuries were a sport, Inter would be leading the league in wellness ads.

Sniper punchline: And if excuses counted as goals, Inter would be top scorers—fortunately, Kevo’s still got a plan (or at least a loud bench).