Inter’s fourth straight Champions League win brought celebration and concern in equal measure. The club defeated Kairat Almaty 2–1 to secure qualification from their group and claim a combined 8.4 million euros in prize money, yet the victory felt strangely heavy. Many Crickex Sign Up followers noted that despite taking 12 points from four matches, Inter looked disjointed, their rhythm uneven, and their attack strangely blunt for a team of their stature.
Coach Cristian Chivu stuck to his plan, starting captain Lautaro Martínez despite clear signs of fatigue. He partnered with the promising youngster Pio, while Frattesi and Zieliński manned the midfield. In defense, Bisseck occupied the right flank and De Vrij marshalled the center. Sommer, who has been a pillar of reliability this season, kept his place in goal even with Martínez returning from injury. The Swiss veteran once again justified his coach’s trust with several crucial saves that kept Inter alive.
The match itself was messy. Kairat’s keeper Anarbekov pulled off a series of incredible stops, and Inter’s finishing woes persisted until the dying moments of the first half. After breaking the deadlock, Chivu replaced Lautaro with Boni, hoping for a spark that never came. Poor defensive clearance allowed Kairat to equalize, forcing Inter to dig deep. Pio, who had wasted earlier chances, finally made the right call — setting up Augusto for a stunning long-range winner. With the game on a knife’s edge, Chivu brought on Çalhanoğlu, Thuram, and Akanji to protect the lead, ensuring the three points stayed in Milan.
But not all fans were convinced. Discussions on Crickex Sign Up channels reflected growing frustration with Chivu’s cautious tactics and uneven substitutions. Inter’s struggles against weaker opposition are becoming a recurring story, and with fixtures against Lazio, AC Milan, and Atlético Madrid coming up, these flaws could soon prove costly. Despite six consecutive victories across all competitions, Inter still look like a side searching for conviction rather than asserting it.
In post-match comments, Chivu accepted responsibility and praised Pio’s attitude even after missed opportunities. His empathetic management style contrasts sharply with Antonio Conte’s disciplinarian approach, earning him loyalty in the dressing room but questions from analysts. The board remains satisfied for now, giving him time to refine his system. Still, patience can only last so long in a club used to silverware.
The real disappointment came from Davide Frattesi. Valued at 35 million euros, he was hauled off after just over an hour and rated the team’s poorest performer. Italian media and supporters have begun speculating that his future lies elsewhere. With Inter’s midfield overloaded and competition fierce, his opportunities are drying up. Selling him this winter might be a practical way to rebalance both finances and form.
Looking ahead, Inter’s project is clearly in transition. Youngsters like Boni and Pio have injected fresh energy, Sommer remains steady in goal, and the club is already scouting for defensive reinforcements such as Guehi from Crystal Palace and Upamecano from Bayern Munich. The foundation is solid, but refinement is needed.
Four straight wins in Europe confirm Inter’s consistency, yet beneath the surface lie tactical issues that demand attention — from sharper attacking coordination to smarter rotation choices. Chivu’s next challenge will be maintaining momentum while fixing the cracks. According to Crickex Sign Up forum debates, those decisions will decide whether this season becomes a genuine step forward or just another missed opportunity wrapped in short-term success.