Inter Milan Prove They Can Live Without Three Key Players In Emphatic Serie A Win Vs Hellas Verona | OneFootball

Inter Milan proved that they can be at their best without Lautaro Martinez, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Francesco Acerbi against Hellas Verona.

This is the view in today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews.

Inter were without a couple regular starters yesterday afternoon at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi.

Midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu was absent due to a thigh problem he’d picked up during the international break.

Then, Inter captain Lautaro Martinez had to pull out due to a fever.

Calhanoglu and Martinez are certainly among Inter’s key players. They were arguably the Nerazzurri’s two outstanding performers in last season’s Serie A title triumph.

In terms of technical quality as well as experience and leadership, Calhanoglu and Martinez are certainly two players who set the tone for how Inter play.

Then, fifteen minutes into yesterday’s match Inter lost another important player with massive experience.

Defender Francesco Acerbi had to leave the pitch due to a thigh injury.

The 36-year-old is a vital player for both defending Inter’s penalty area and setting the tone in possession.

Inter Cope Without Lautaro, Calhanoglu & Acerbi Vs Hellas Verona

Against Verona, though, Inter did not miss Calhangolu, Acerbi, or Martinez.

Other players – both regular starters as well as rotation options – stepped up. Inter’s identity looked as clear as ever.

Stefan de Vrij filled in perfectly for Acerbi. The Dutchman looked unfazed in defense, was vital to Inter’s first goal, and also scored his first goal of the season for the Nerazzurri’s fourth.

Meanwhile, Joaquin Correa had a star turn in attack in Martinez’s absence.

And in midfield Kristjan Asllani filled Calhanoglu’s shoes without problems.

Inter played as an effective unit, with other players like Marcus Thuram and Yann Bisseck also looking extremely sharp.

This was certainly a positive sign regarding Inter’s squad depth and ability to remain the same team even without some of their biggest names.