Ex Inter Milan Captain Argues Nerazzurri ‘Afraid Of Taking Chances & Conceding Counterattacks’ | OneFootball

Legendary former Nerazzurri captain Beppe Bergomi feels Inter Milan are “afraid of taking chances” amid their recent defensive issues.

Bergomi spoke on Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews, after Inter’s Serie A win over Empoli. He suggested that the Nerazzurri are afraid to commit in attack because they risk conceding counterattacks.

Inter’s defensive record so far this season has been miles off the pace of last campaign.

Last time around, Inter kept clean sheets more often than they conceded in Serie A. And they conceded at a rate of fewer than one goal per match.

This season, though, it’s been a much different story.

Inter have already conceded thirteen goals in Serie A, and it is not even November.

The Nerazzurri’s defensive record in the Champions League has remained flawless. They have not conceded against any of Manchester City, Red Star Belgrade, or Young Boys.

But in the league, Inter have struggled to keep their opposition out.

The Nerazzurri got a much-needed clean sheet against Empoli yesterday. But prior to that, they had conceded four goals against Juventus in a remarkable 4-4 Derby d’Italia draw.

Bergomi: “Inter Milan Afraid Of Taking Risks & Conceding Counterattacks”

A big part of the problem for Inter has been looking open when they’ve lost the ball.

Too often, the Nerazzurri’s opposition have had a clear run through midfield.

Empoli did have a few opportunities to do so. But not all that many.

But if anything, that was the result of a very patient and cautious Inter performance in possession.

Former Inter defender Bergomi argued the Nerazzurri “didn’t have a great match, particularly in the first half.”

“They were too worried about making a mistake in possession,” he said.

“Inter are afraid to take risks,” Bergomi suggested. “Because they feel vulnerable to counterattacks.”

“Right now they’re going through a lot.”

“Last season they moved the ball quicker,” Bergomi argued.

“Right now Calhanoglu isn’t available. And he’s important.”

“But they weren’t taking risks with their play. They looked like they were afraid of the fatal counterattacks.”