According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sucic started against Napoli but performed poorly. In Madrid, he came on as a substitute with similarly disappointing results. The toll of the World Cup is still weighing on him.
Chivu tested two different approaches: starting Petar Sucic against Napoli and bringing the Croatian midfielder off the bench against Real Madrid. Neither worked out well. Of course, there are mitigating factors: his physical condition is not yet optimal, the burden of the intense World Cup is still affecting his legs—just like it has Akanji—and the competition for midfield spots has intensified further.
Nevertheless, Sucic's importance to Internazionale will be at least as significant as last season; he is a valuable, versatile midfielder. In this position, it is difficult for anyone to earn consistent playing time. However, the former Dinamo Zagreb player's last two performances have been underwhelming. The reason may simply be the fierce competition.
Seven players for three spots
Internazionale's formation is systematically fixed at 3-5-2, with two wing-backs and three central midfield positions contested by seven players (or eight if Diouf is deployed in his most natural central midfield role). One position is locked down: Calhanoglu.
He will only be unavailable due to minor injuries or when rotation is necessary during congested fixtures. Barella essentially occupies another spot, while Zielinski and Jones are the main contenders for the third position. Behind them are Stankovic—who still needs more time to earn consistent playing time—Mkhitaryan, who also plays versatile roles, and Sucic.
As Inter's coaching staff often emphasizes, having depth is never a problem, especially during a long, intense, and demanding season where Inter competes across all competitions. However, every player must make the most of their opportunities to improve their standing in the pecking order. Sucic has not yet done so, despite receiving considerable minutes in recent matches. But with stronger opponents like Real Madrid and Napoli now behind them, the schedule ahead should be more favorable.
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