Lazio Vs. Inter Milan: 1-0, Halftime Update

Lazio have kept their 1-0 lead intact going into halftime, despite much better play and a good number of chances from Inter Milan. Their ability to keep possession and create chances in the final 20 minutes of the first half seemed to stem from tactical adjustments made from Rafa’s initial setup.

With his odd and inventive 4-6-0 with Sneijder operating as a false nine failing to create much at all, Inter adjusted, moving both Sneijder and Sully Muntari to more natural positions. Sneijder began to drift more, dropping deep behind Goran Pandev to pick up the ball. Sully Muntari, who was playing much wider than usual to start the match, began drifting inside considerably more. Muntari has still helped defensively on the left side and put in an occasional cross, but he has operated much more centrally in the final 20 minutes of the half than the first 25. As a whole, the turnaround has been dramatic. Lazio had about 55% possession early on, but Inter had 55% possession for the entire 1st half, showing just how much they dominated the final 20 minutes.

Dejan Stankovic had to come out due to an injury and was replaced by Thiago Motta who provided a bit of a spark. He had one fantastic long range shot that was very well saved by Fernando Muslera. The Brazilian has provided considerably more energy than Stankovic and Inter have been much more comfortable going forward with him in the side.

In the other direction, Esteban Cambiasso and friends have done a very good job of keeping Hernanes from having a significant influence on the match. The Brazilian playmaker has appeared to be incredibly frustrated at times in the match, but has not resorted to trying killer balls every time he has the chance or drifting way out of position like some frustrated playmakers often do. Hernanes removed his shirt at halftime, implying that he could be in line for a substitution. If it happens it’s not obvious if it would be a fitness move or a tactical move. Hernanes did not appear to be struggling physically at all.

Despite all of the positives for the majority of the first half for Inter, they are down 1-0 with no attacking options to turn to off the bench. The men who are on the pitch will have to create scoring opportunities for Inter to come away with any points.