Coppa Italia momentum could help Inter Milan in Seire A title charge...

Coppa Italia momentum could help Inter Milan in Seire A title charge [VIDEO]

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Having defeated Napoli 2-0 away, Inter still appear to be capable of mounting a potential title charge and a strong Coppa Italia run may just rally the side on.

Given the way Roberto Mancini’s side has been performing as of late, Tuesday night’s victory against the current league leaders in the Cup came as somewhat of a surprise to many.

Much like many Nerazzurri wins this season, the result was a smash and grab, with Napoli the better of the two sides for much of the game and Samir Handanovic having to pull off yet another set of match-winning stops before Stevan Jovetic and Adem Ljajic netted for the away team.


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Despite the fact Maurizio Sarri’s side was without Gonzalo Higuaín and Lorenzo Insigne from the start, the victory proves Inter can still muddle it out with Serie A’s best at this stage of the season.

Next in the Cup, though, the Milanese club will face off against Juventus, who themselves are on an impressive 10 match winning run in the league. Advancing to the Final at the expense of the Bianconeri will provide further proof that Internazionale are capable of claiming the Scudetto.

In saying this, however, the odds of the title going Inter’s way are very slim.

Mancini’s side simply is not good enough as a whole to achieve this. They have squeezed past opponents with 1-0 victories far too often this campaign, and their style of play is one that lacks identity and does not do much in convincing observers to label them as potential champions. While the Nerazzurri defend well, they seemingly rely on the heroics of Handanovic and the lethal finishing of Mauro Icardi in order to scrape past opponents. They have often found themselves victors more due to luck rather than through teamwork and synergy.

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Despite this, a Coppa Italia charge would be beneficial for the side’s momentum, especially heading into the latter stages of the current campaign, and would ensure Inter Milan remain focused on the task at hand with minimal slip-ups against lesser sides. With such a large squad at Mancini’s disposal, he can keep almost everyone happy and on board with his ideas and vision. As well as this, it would also provide a significant boost to Inter’s confidence, knowing they have overcome opposition such as Napoli and Juventus (if they advance past them in the next round), which would undoubtedly give Mancini’s men an extra push.

It seems as if the Coppa Italia may not just impact upon Inter’s Scudetto chances (if it does end up doing so), but also Napoli’s and Massimiliano Allegri’s Juventus. Partenopei boss Sarri, towards the end of the match against Inter, made comments to his opposite number that could land the 57-year-old in hot water, with the Napoli manager potentially facing a four-month ban from the touchline.

https://youtu.be/jnpV0zC9Ylk

If this occurs, it is possible the Stadio San Paolo side may lose some of its aura on the pitch without the former Empoli boss’ presence on the touchline. As a result, Juve’s chances of winning the title would obviously increase if this turns out to be the case and Inter could catch up to their Neapolitan opponents. Even though this is no guarantee, as Napoli are an extremely talented side boasting some world class players, the loss of Sarri and his influence on the touchline would represent a big blow to the Partenopei.

Title aside, if Inter overcome the Old Lady in the semi-final they will face either AC Milan or third-tier side Alessandria in the final of the Coppa Italia. A win in the next round could be crucial to the focus and application administered by the Nerazzurri players in the coming months in Serie A.

While claiming the Scudetto appears a task beyond Inter in 2015-16, the current form should ensure Mancini’s side finishes in the top three at the very least, a target well within their capabilities and one that would be aided greatly by a strong showing in the Cup.

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