In their opening match of the 2024-25 Serie A season, Inter were held to a 2-2 draw against Genoa at the Marassi, despite a brace from Marcus Thuram. The French forward was the standout performer for the Nerazzurri, but his efforts weren’t enough to secure all three points. La Gazzetta dello Sport criticized the team’s defensive frailties, drawing comparisons to last season when Inter allowed just one goal in their first five league games.
Defensive Struggles
Inter’s defense came under scrutiny following the result, with multiple players failing to meet expectations. The main focus of the criticism was Yann Bisseck, whose handball in the closing stages resulted in a penalty for Genoa. The German defender’s mistake proved costly as it allowed the home side to level the score. Francesco Acerbi also received harsh assessments for his lack of fitness, while Matteo Darmian was criticized for his lack of precision and energy in defense. Alessandro Bastoni, typically a key player at the back, had an off-day and was unable to match his usual high standards.
Sommer and Defensive Woes
Despite a heroic penalty save from Yann Sommer, Inter’s new goalkeeper couldn’t keep out the rebound that led to Genoa’s equalizer. While Sommer showed moments of brilliance, he was also questioned for his role in several errant passes during the build-up, which contributed to Inter’s shaky defense. These defensive missteps stood in stark contrast to the Nerazzurri’s performance last season when they boasted one of the strongest defenses in Serie A, conceding only 22 goals over the course of 38 games.
Thuram Shines, Lautaro Returns
On a more positive note, Marcus Thuram was the clear standout for Inter. His two goals showcased his attacking prowess and offered hope for the season ahead. Meanwhile, Lautaro Martinez made his first appearance of the summer after a brief pre-season preparation due to his participation in the Copa America. The Argentine striker had only returned to training ten days before the match and missed all of Inter’s pre-season games. Though not fully match-fit, Martinez’s presence was a welcome boost for the Nerazzurri as they look to defend their Serie A title.
Inter’s title defense has started with a stumble, and while their attack shows promise, defensive improvements will be crucial as they push forward in the campaign.
