No. 18--Fiorentina vs. Inter Milan Italian Soccer: Correct Performance during the Match

by Soccer Coach Albert M. Luongo

The final score for the game played on December 2, 2007 was Inter Milan 2, Fiorentina 0. Saying that Inter Milan totally dominated the field of play easily sums up this game. There are four very important ingredients for winning a soccer match and they are:
1. Having a better defense (starting with the goalkeeper) than one’s opponents or better yet; making few defensive errors

2. Ball control, composed of accurate and safe passes most of the time and precise trapping and shielding of the ball

3. The desire to win the loose ball

4. Endurance developed by strenuous conditioning in training

Milan certainly had the first three and possibly the forth ingredient in this match; however, the endurance factor was not quite clear. Inter Milan dominated the game with accurate passes while Fiorentina had to make the most of their ball-possession by sending the ball up to the forwards near their attacking goal and in line with Milan’s defensemen. They could do very little in the way of working the ball passed the midfield in looking for opportunities. While there is nothing wrong with sending the ball up to the goal area sometimes, it is definitely not the optimum way to get into position to score, especially against a strong defense. Fiorentina just could not seem to make many penetrations into the Milan’s defense.

It is this kind of game play that makes it obvious who will most likely be the winner. I.e., I use the term “most likely” because luck—good or bad, or a bad referee’s decisions can alter the coarse of any game—especially in low scoring games. But doing things right certainty gives any team the edge.

All of the above information is the author's opinion. This article in no way is meant to degrade, discredit or defame any team or person. Its sole purpose is to improve the skills of young soccer players, coaches and the game itself.