Inzaghi Praises Italian Starlet and Takes Responsibility for Sommer’s Error
Inter Milan Cruise to Victory Against Pisa, Inzaghi Highlights Mulattieri’s Impact
The San Siro roared back to life yesterday as Inter Milan dismantled Serie B side Pisa in a friendly encounter, ending with a resounding 6-2 scoreline. While the match served primarily as a fitness exercise and tactical shakedown for Simone Inzaghi’s men during the Serie A winter break, the performance provided plenty of talking points. From the impressive form of returning loanees to a rare error from veteran goalkeeper Yann Sommer, the game offered a glimpse into Inter’s current state and future prospects.
The Nerazzurri started brightly, dominating possession and creating a flurry of chances from the opening whistle. New signing, Tajon Buchanan, making his first appearance in front of the home crowd, showcased his pace and trickery on the right flank, immediately injecting energy into Inter’s attack. The goals soon followed, with Lautaro Martinez bagging a brace, continuing his impressive scoring form from the first half of the season. Further goals from Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, and a late double from academy product Samuele Mulattieri completed the rout.
However, the match wasn’t without its blemishes. Yann Sommer, usually a picture of composure between the posts, gifted Pisa a goal with an uncharacteristic error. A misjudged pass under pressure allowed the Pisa forward to pounce, leaving Sommer with no chance. While the mistake didn’t ultimately impact the result, it served as a reminder that even the most experienced players are prone to errors. Inzaghi, however, was quick to defend his goalkeeper, taking full responsibility for the situation.
Inzaghi Defends Sommer, Accepts Blame
“Yann [Sommer] is a fantastic goalkeeper, and he’s been a rock for us this season,” Inzaghi stated in the post-match press conference. “The mistake today was my fault. I asked him to play a certain way, to be more involved in the build-up, and perhaps I pushed him too far in a friendly game. It’s something we’ll work on, but I have complete faith in him.”
This show of support for Sommer underscores Inzaghi’s man-management skills and his commitment to fostering a positive environment within the squad. Despite the comfortable victory, the manager remained focused on addressing areas for improvement and shielding his players from unnecessary criticism.
Mulattieri’s Impressive Return
One of the most encouraging aspects of the match was the performance of Samuele Mulattieri. The young Italian forward, who spent the last few seasons on loan at various Serie B clubs, seized his opportunity with both hands, scoring two well-taken goals in the second half. His movement off the ball, clinical finishing, and tireless work rate impressed not only the fans but also his manager.
“I’m very happy for Samuele [Mulattieri],” Inzaghi said. “He’s come back from his loan spells with a fantastic attitude. He’s worked incredibly hard in training, and he deserved his goals today. He’s a player with a bright future, and he’s definitely in my plans for the rest of the season.”
Mulattieri’s emergence provides Inzaghi with another attacking option, adding depth and competition to the squad. His versatility, capable of playing as a center-forward or on the wing, makes him a valuable asset as Inter look to compete on multiple fronts this season.
Tactical Observations and Team Performance
Beyond the individual performances, the match offered insights into Inzaghi’s tactical approach. Inter maintained their familiar 3-5-2 formation, with the wing-backs providing width and the midfield trio controlling the tempo of the game. The high pressing and quick transitions, hallmarks of Inzaghi’s system, were evident throughout the match, suffocating Pisa and creating numerous scoring opportunities.
The midfield partnership of Barella, Calhanoglu, and Davide Frattesi looked particularly sharp, demonstrating excellent understanding and chemistry. Their ability to win back possession, dictate the play, and contribute in the final third was crucial to Inter’s dominance. Furthermore, the defensive trio of Benjamin Pavard, Stefan de Vrij, and Alessandro Bastoni remained solid, limiting Pisa to few clear-cut chances despite Sommer’s error.
The introduction of substitutes in the second half allowed Inzaghi to experiment with different combinations and give valuable minutes to fringe players. The likes of Kristjan Asllani, Valentin Carboni, and Lucien Agoumé all made positive contributions, showcasing the depth of Inter’s squad.
Looking Ahead: Serie A and Coppa Italia Aspirations
While a friendly match against a Serie B side should be taken with a grain of salt, Inter’s performance against Pisa provided a positive boost as they prepare for the resumption of Serie A. The Nerazzurri currently sit atop the league table, locked in a tight title race with Juventus and AC Milan. Inzaghi will be hoping that his team can maintain their momentum and continue their impressive form in the second half of the season.
Furthermore, Inter also have aspirations in the Coppa Italia, where they are the defending champions. The competition provides another opportunity for silverware, and Inzaghi will be aiming to guide his team to another triumph. The depth of the squad, as demonstrated in the match against Pisa, will be crucial as Inter navigate a demanding schedule.
The Impact of New Signings
The January transfer window saw Inter add Tajon Buchanan to their ranks, and his debut against Pisa offered a glimpse of what he can bring to the team. His pace, dribbling skills, and ability to deliver crosses will provide Inzaghi with another dimension in attack. Buchanan’s arrival also allows Denzel Dumfries to have some much-needed rest and competition for his spot, pushing both players to perform at their best.
The integration of new signings is always a key challenge for any manager, but Inzaghi has a proven track record of successfully incorporating new players into his system. He will be hoping that Buchanan can quickly adapt to the Italian game and make a significant impact in the second half of the season.
Youth Academy Prospects
Inter’s youth academy continues to produce promising talents, and the performance of Samuele Mulattieri is a testament to the quality of the club’s youth development program. The likes of Valentin Carboni and Lucien Agoumé also impressed against Pisa, highlighting the potential within the academy ranks.
Inzaghi has shown a willingness to give young players opportunities, and he will be hoping that more academy graduates can break into the first team in the coming years. Investing in youth development is crucial for the long-term success of any club, and Inter are reaping the rewards of their efforts.
Conclusion: A Positive Start to 2026
Inter Milan’s 6-2 victory over Pisa was a positive start to 2026, providing a valuable opportunity for Inzaghi to assess his squad and fine-tune his tactics. The performances of returning loanees like Samuele Mulattieri and the debut of new signing Tajon Buchanan offered encouragement, while Inzaghi’s handling of Yann Sommer’s error demonstrated his strong leadership skills. As Inter prepare for the resumption of Serie A, they will be hoping to build on this performance and continue their pursuit of silverware.
FAQ
Why was this match played?
The match was a friendly, played during the Serie A winter break to maintain fitness levels and allow the coach to experiment with tactics and player combinations.
What was Simone Inzaghi’s reaction to Yann Sommer’s mistake?
Inzaghi defended Sommer, taking responsibility for the mistake and stating that he had asked Sommer to take more risks in the build-up play.
Who is Samuele Mulattieri and how did he perform?
Samuele Mulattieri is a young Italian forward who returned from loan spells. He scored two goals and impressed with his work rate and finishing.
What formation did Inter Milan play in this match?
Inter Milan played in their familiar 3-5-2 formation.
What are Inter Milan’s objectives for the rest of the season?
Inter Milan aims to win the Serie A title and compete for the Coppa Italia.
How did new signing Tajon Buchanan perform?
Tajon Buchanan made his debut and impressed with his pace and trickery on the right flank.
What does this match indicate about Inter Milan’s youth academy?
The performances of Mulattieri, Carboni, and Agoumé highlight the quality and potential within Inter Milan’s youth academy.
What was the overall significance of this friendly match?
The match served as a positive start to 2026 for Inter Milan, providing a valuable opportunity for Inzaghi to assess his squad and fine-tune his tactics ahead of the Serie A restart.
How did the midfield perform in this match?
The midfield trio of Barella, Calhanoglu, and Frattesi looked sharp, demonstrating excellent understanding and chemistry in controlling the game.
What is Inzaghi’s approach to integrating new players into the team?
Inzaghi has a proven track record of successfully incorporating new players and providing them with opportunities to adapt to his system.
