Two more flops. Inter and Roma were called to win to chase away their respective ghosts, but instead they close this very first phase of the championship with even bigger doubts than before. The two draws with Palermo and Cagliari can only attract criticism and discontent, either due to the inconsistency of the opponents (Ballardini's rosanero are far from irresistible), or due to the inability to manage matches that have already been won (here the reference it's all for the Giallorossi).
Under accusation, as often happens in such situations, the coaches end up: Frank De Boer and Luciano Spalletti really have a lot of work to do if they want to fight for the top. The Dutchman, despite all the justifications of the case (he's still arrived 20 days ago), continues to make choices that don't convince, the Tuscan, on the other hand, fails to instill serenity in a group that is qualitatively very valid but too fragile on a mental level.
“I'm not happy but I still saw improvements compared to the defeat against Chievo – he explained De Boer –. We created a lot and we were unlucky: we could have won 4-1”. Instead, only a draw came out of the San Siro wheel, and a comeback. After a gray first half, the Nerazzurri even went behind due to a gollonzo from Rispoli, who was lucky to find the decisive deflection from Santon (48').
And so theInter, already lackluster previously, found itself forced to chase a modest opponent but well organized tactically by Ballardini. Things improved with the entry of Candreva and here comes the main criticism: is it possible that the former Lazio player can't find a shirt from the start? His was the cross that allowed Icardi to find the 1-1 (72 '), always from him the one that could lead to 2-1 from Eder, whose header went off on the back of nothing.
The boos at San Siro contrast with what happened in the pre-match: the enthusiasm during the presentation of Joao Mario foreshadowed a very different Sunday…
Little to laugh even at home Roma, where for the umpteenth time we have to deal with a real collective blackout. The Giallorossi got off to a good start in Cagliari: not even 5' and Perotti made it 1-0 from a penalty. The rossoblu reacted and came close to equalizing with Borriello, whose header hit the post after a beaten Szczesny, but then Spalletti's team doubled their lead at the start of the second half with Strootman, good at finalizing a splendid action by Salah-Dzeko ( 46').
Game on ice? Not a chance. In fact, with Roma on the pitch, anything could happen and Borriello's goal (56') revived the usual ghosts. And so, after a painful second half, Sau's equalizer arrives (87'), a complete joke that costs points in the standings and morale. “Once again we were fragile – he admitted Spalletti –. We haven't achieved the right balance, tranquility, sometimes we show a lack of personality. The opponents always manage to regain courage and the fault is only mine.
Now there will be a break and who knows if Inter and Roma, net of the many internationals involved, may not be able to find some serenity again. It would be really fundamental, because from September missteps will no longer be allowed.
