Questions over Inter's performance in major matches before Atletico encounter
Inter Milan approach Wednesdays clash with Atletico Madrid still recovering from a loss to rivals AC Milan in the derby, raising concerns about their capability in important games under head coach Cristian Chivu.
A perfect record of four victories has positioned Inter well for straight advancement to the Champions League knockout stage, yet the journey to Spain marks their initial significant challenge in Europe.
Inter achieved their flawless start through triumphs against Ajax, Slavia Prague, Union Saint-Gilloise, and the smaller Kazakh side Kairat Almaty, although tougher opponents lie ahead in the remaining league matches.
Following the Atletico game, Inter will face Liverpool at home and then the top of the Premier League team Arsenal, prior to their away match against Borussia Dortmund to close the phase.
In the previous campaign, 16 points sufficed for a top eight position, suggesting Inter must gather at least four points from these games to bypass the playoff round.
However, their outcomes in prominent encounters since Chivu took charge are concerning, including the recent setback against Milan in another vital contest.
Inter have suffered defeats to Serie A contenders Napoli and Juventus this term, resulting in four losses already in the Italian premier division for Chivus squad.
"My players put in maximum effort during sessions and I refuse to blame anyone or offer justifications. We share this as a unit and all bear responsibility for successes and failures," Chivu remarked after the match on Sunday.
The loss to Milan stung especially since Inter hit the frame of the goal twice, and the dependable Hakan Calhanoglu missed from the penalty area.
"Everyone could have performed better, perhaps by converting chances sooner or managing key phases more effectively. We must now rise again," Chivu continued.
Inexperienced Chivu
The Romanian, Chivu, who claimed the treble with Inter during Jose Mourinhos tenure in 2010, assumed one of Europes premier managerial roles early in his top level coaching experience.
This 45 year old steered Parma away from the drop after stepping in for Fabio Pecchia in February, and while Inter have shown promise beyond his limited background, he has not yet proven himself in elite competitions.
Complicating matters for Inter is the unavailability of vital wing back Denzel Dumfries, whose partnership with Federico Dimarco on the opposite side delivers essential width and scoring potential to the forward play.
Dumfries netted in two Champions League outings for Inter, but an ankle issue sidelines the Dutch player until the following month.
This creates difficulties because Dumfries regular replacement Matteo Darmian remains sidelined by a calf problem, and Carlos Augusto, standing in for Dimarco, struggled when tried on the right.
Atletico suffered losses to both Liverpool and Arsenal in the Champions League but currently enjoy five consecutive victories across competitions, trailing La Liga frontrunners Real Madrid by merely four points.
Juan Musso featured between the posts for Atletico during their 1 0 victory over Getafe, as primary keeper Jan Oblak picked up an injury while representing Slovenia internationally.
The Argentine goalkeeper faced little action on Sunday, yet Oblaks unavailability, combined with a knee problem excluding Spanish defender Robin Le Normand, might offer Inter a chance to edge closer to direct qualification for the knockout phase.