Latest news with #Sucic
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Croatia Star Earns Rave Revue For Match-Winning Display Off The Bench In River Plate 0-2 Inter Milan Win
Croatia Star Earns Rave Revue For Match-Winning Display Off The Bench In River Plate 0-2 Inter Milan Win Petar Sucic is winning plaudits for his performance off the bench for Inter Milan in their 2-0 Club World Cup win over River Plate. Today's print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews, hail the 21-year-old Croatian international's display. Advertisement Petar Sucic made his third straight substitute appearance for Inter Milan at the Club World Cup against River Plate. The Croat had already appeared against the likes of Monterrey and Urawa Red Diamonds. And once again Sucic was a player who Cristian Chivu turned to to try and inject new life into Inter's midfield. Petar Sucic Praised For Performance In River Plate 0-2 Inter Milan Win Welcome Petar Sucic Article Image In the view of Tuttosport, it was an outstanding performance by Petar Sucic. The Croat did exactly what was needed to turn the match in Inter's favour. Sucic had the energy and strength to keep up in what was already a very intense physical battle in midfield. Advertisement Meanwhile, the former Dinamo Zagreb midfielder's technique was impeccable. He did very well to hold onto the ball and dictate the tempo in midfield. Moreover, Sucic was the player who assisted Francesco Pio Esposito for Inter's opener. This could very well have been a performance that earned Sucic a place in the Nerazzurri starting eleven for their round of sixteen clash with Brazilian giants Fluminense.


New York Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
The fast learning of Inter's youth saw off River Plate – Fluminense should be worried
Petar Sucic will learn a thing or two from Inter's experienced midfielders. Having joined the Champions League finalists earlier this month, Sucic, 21, came off the bench to assist Francesco Pio Esposito, 19, for their team's first goal in a 2-0 victory against River Plate in the Club World Cup on Wednesday. Advertisement Susic's eyes closely tracked the movement of his centre-forwards when he came on the pitch, but before that, it's likely they were focused on Inter's midfield as they secured their place in the knockout stage. Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Nicolo Barella aren't just a pleasure to watch, they can also be a helpful guide to Inter's youngsters when it comes to what they are doing with and without the ball. Against River, it was their off-ball runs from midfield that grabbed the attention. The midfield duo started ahead of Kristjan Asllani and constantly attacked the space, with Esposito and Lautaro Martinez up front complementing their movement. Barella and Mkhitaryan were usually one step ahead of their markers, Rodrigo Aliendro and Matias Kranevitter. Here, they are surging forward before Alessandro Bastoni picks his pass. Inter's left centre-back plays a long pass towards Denzel Dumfries and Barella's initial movement gives him the advantage over Aliendro. When Dumfries wins the aerial duel and controls the ball, Barella continues his forward movement and the right wing-back finds his run. Meanwhile, on the other side, Kranevitter leaves Mkhitaryan, choosing instead to protect the central space… … but the latter's run towards the back post becomes more dangerous when Barella progresses down the right wing. Kranevitter then moves to defend the back post, and Esposito realises that the space is in front of the defence — he smartly holds his run to offer Barella a cutback option. The Italy midfielder then plays the ball to Esposito… …. whose shot is blocked by the defence. In another example, Kranevitter is away from Mkhitaryan and looking to contest the second ball as Yann Sommer goes direct to Inter's centre-forwards. When Esposito heads the long ball towards the left side of Inter's attack, Mkhitaryan immediately pounces, with River's right-back, Gonzalo Montiel, hesitant because Federico Dimarco (out of shot) is in position to attack the space behind him. Montiel and Kranevitter are left in no man's land, and Inter combine quickly to attack the space behind River's right-back. Dimarco's threat down the left wing forces River's right centre-back, Quarta, to react, leaving his partner, Paulo Diaz, alone against Esposito. Mkhitaryan spots Esposito darting towards the near post with River's left centre-back moving with him, and attacks the space… … but Dimarco's cross doesn't reach him. As Sucic watched from the bench, Esposito's lessons were more hands-on. The forward, who only made his debut a couple of days ago against Urawa Red Diamonds, operated alongside Martinez, and there's probably no one better to learn Inter's centre-forward role from. Just like Martinez has been doing throughout the years, Esposito made the right runs, held the ball up and linked the attack. In this example, Bastoni chips the ball towards Esposito with Barella way behind his marker Aliendro. As Esposito chests down the ball and dribbles inside to switch the play towards Dumfries, Barella dashes forward to start his third-man run… … which allows him to breeze past Aliendro and attack the space behind River's left-back, Marcos Acuna. Dumfries finds Barella's run… … and the Italy midfielder returns the pass with a lovely backheel. Inter's combination down the right side takes out Aliendro and Acuna, which forces Kranevitter to defend the gap, leaving Mkhitaryan free in the process. Dumfries then plays the cutback to Mkhitaryan… … but River's centre-backs manage to block the midfielder's shot. The runs from midfield were vital to Inter's victory which allowed them to top the group. First, it was Mkhitaryan's off-ball run that led to Quarta's dismissal. Here, the Armenia midfielder dashes behind Giorgio Costantini, who replaced Kranevitter, as Dumfries plays the ball forward. Quarta thinks he is safe because Esposito is dropping from an offside position in front of him… … but the real threat is Mkhitaryan who is surging forward and capitalises on the centre-back's mistake. Mkhitaryan beats Quarta to the ball and the defender's late tackle forces River to continue the match with 10 men. Second, the runs from midfield led to Inter's first goal when Barella's replacement, Sucic, attacked the correct space. In the build-up to the goal, River's midfield three are all over the place because they are trying to mark their counterparts while pressing Inter's right centre-back, Matteo Darmian. As a result, Costantini is left in between Sucic and Mkhitaryan, and Darmian finds the latter. River's midfielders try to organise themselves as Mkhitaryan plays the ball wide to Carlos Augusto… … but the Armenian's movement drags Costantini wide and creates a gap, which Sucic attacks as Augusto plays the ball to Asllani. Asllani then finds Sucic between the lines… … and the Croatia midfielder plays the ball to Esposito… … who dribbles past the onrushing defender and slots it into the bottom corner. Esposito's brilliant performance and Sucic's impressive cameo showed that they have an understanding of how Inter operate in possession of the ball. They will continue watching and learning, like Asllani, who was previously the understudy to Marcelo Brozovic and Hakan Calhanoglu. Considering Inter's injuries during the Club World Cup, these strong performances from their younger generation are promising. More importantly, it's a step towards the side's rejuvenation this season. Inter's youngsters should keep their eyes open because the chances are coming. You can sign up to DAZN to watch every FIFA Club World Cup game for free.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sucic followed Man City midfielder's advice to join Inter
Petar Sucic reveals his compatriots Mateo Kovacic, Ivan Perisic and Marcelo Brozovic all advised him to join Inter: 'Lautaro Martinez sent me a beautiful message as soon as I signed.' The Croatia international formally joined the Nerazzurri only a few weeks ago, although he had completed his medical and signed his contract with the Serie A giants in February 2025. Sucic opens up about Inter transfer (From L) Italy's midfielder #18 Nicolo Barella and Croatia's midfielder #08 Mateo Kovacic collide during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group B football match between Croatia and Italy at the Leipzig Stadium in Leipzig on June 24, 2024. (Photo by JOHN MACDOUGALL / AFP) (Photo by JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP via Getty Images) 'Everything is going great. It's a big life and career change, but I strongly wanted it. I'm at a truly massive club, and I want to fully enjoy this experience, both as a footballer and as a person. Of course, I want to win,' the Croatian midfielder told Gazzetta. Advertisement Sucic has already made his debut with the Nerazzurri in the Club World Cup. 'I started by taking private Italian lessons over the last few months. I don't speak it yet, but I understand almost everything, even if sometimes Italians talk really fast,' he said. 'Lautaro sent me a beautiful message as soon as I signed and offered his help, just like a real captain. Others have helped me too. Hakan [Calhanoglu] has been amazing. Mkhitaryan acts as my official translator when needed. He speaks so many languages. Croatian may be the only one he's missing.' How about Inter's new coach, Cristian Chivu? 'He loves what he does, and he shows it. He's precise in every single training session, and I've also noticed another important quality. He speaks directly and says what he thinks to your face,' said Sucic. Other Serie A clubs wanted Sucic epaselect epa11661068 Petar Sucic (L) and Borna Sosa (R) of Croatia celebrate a goal during the UEFA Nations League group A1 match between Poland and Croatia in Warsaw, Poland, 15 October 2024. EPA-EFE/Piotr Nowak POLAND OUT 'He's not beating around the bush; he gets straight to the point. He hasn't had any specific requests of me so far. I want to build chemistry with my teammates and understand how to play, how we train and where I've arrived. Basically everything.' Advertisement The 21-year-old confirmed that other Serie A clubs were interested in his services, but he only wanted to sign for the Nerazzurri. 'It's true, but I won't say which ones,' he said. 'When my agent said Inter wanted me, I said, 'I only want to go there.' This is a special club also because of all the Croatians who have worn this shirt. Brozovic, Perisic and Kovacic. They all told me the same thing: 'Go to Inter without even thinking about it.' Let's say I just followed their advice.' Sucic will make a remarkable reunion with his compatriot Luka Modric in 2025-26 as the experienced midfielder is set to sign a one-year deal with Inter's city rivals Milan. Advertisement 'It'll be amazing if he signs. Playing a derby against Modric would be special,' said the Inter midfielder. 'We've only ever played together for the national team. For us Croatians, he's simply the greatest ever. Everyone wants to be like Luka. I can't imagine what it's like to play against him, but the Milan derby and San Siro are truly unique. When I first walked in for Inter-Fiorentina, I was like 'wow.' It's not a stadium, it's the home of football.' Sucic has signed a contract until June 2030 at the Stadio Meazza.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Inter Milan New Boy Looks Ready To Follow In Footsteps Of Croatia Compatriots At San Siro
Inter Milan New Boy Looks Ready To Follow In Footsteps Of Croatia Compatriots At San Siro Croatian international midfielder Petar Sucic looks ready to follow in the footsteps of his countrymen Marcelo Brozovic and Ivan Perisic at Inter Milan. This is highlighted in today's print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews. Advertisement Inter Milan have signed midfielder Petar Sucic from Dinamo Zagreb. They paid a fee of €14 million plus add-ons for the 21-year-old. The Nerazzurri snapped up Sucic ahead of the competition of Juventus, as the Gazzetta note. And according to the Gazzetta, there is a good reason why Inter moved to sign Sucic. Petar Sucic Ready To Follow In Footsteps Of Brozovic & Perisic At Inter SALZBURG, AUSTRIA – OCTOBER 23: Petar Sucic however. Moreover of. However GNK Dinamo morever. Therefore, passes the ball whilst under pressure from Samson Baidoo of FC Salzburg during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between FC Salzburg and GNK Dinamo at Stadion Salzburg on October 23, 2024 in Salzburg, Austria. (Photo by) Sucic looks to be a player with the combination of athleticism and technical ability to make his mark at Inter. The 21-year-old has the versatility to cover a few different roles at Inter. And the Gazzetta note how this will be a familiar profile for the Nerazzurri. Advertisement Inter have already had one midfield maestro from Croatia in the recent past. Marcelo Brozovic spent nearly a decade at the San Siro, and was outstanding for much of it. Meanwhile, Ivan Perisic spent nearly as long at the Nerazzurri. He played as everything from an attacking winger to a wingback. Both Brozovic and Perisic have already spoken with Sucic. They have given him their own views and experiences on the atmosphere of playing at the Nerazzurri. Inter is not an easy club to adapt to. The expectations are high, whilst chaos and crisis are never far away. Nevertheless, Brozovic and Perisic always managed to find a sense of calm. And Sucic looks to be a player ready to put his head down and do the same.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Versatility, Technicality, Quality – ‘Luka Modric's Heir' Could Bump Mkhitaryan From Inter Milan Starting XI
'Luka Modric heir' Petar Sucic will be looking to fight Henrikh Mkhitaryan for a place in the Inter Milan starting eleven right away. This according to today's print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews. Advertisement Midfielder Petar Sucic jointed Inter Milan this month. The Croatian international will already have a chance to catch they eye at the Club World Cup this summer. Inter had already wrapped up a deal for Sucic in February. However, he stayed at Dinamo Zagreb until the end of the season. And as Tuttosport note, the rave reviews have rolled in for Sucic from his native Croatia. The 21-year-old's performances both for Dinamo and for the national team have earned him comparisons to none other than legendary midfielder Luka Modric. In particularly, Sucic's versatility has marked him out. The Croat is a physically strong player – but also not lacking in technical polish. Petar Sucic Aims To Bump Mkhitaryan From Inter Milan Starting XI Right Away SALZBURG, AUSTRIA – OCTOBER 23: Petar Sucic of GNK Dinamo passes the ball whilst under pressure from Samson Baidoo of FC Salzburg during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between FC Salzburg and GNK Dinamo at Stadion Salzburg on October 23, 2024 in Salzburg, Austria. (Photo by) As Tuttosport note, Petar Sucic is capable of playing just about every role in midfield. Advertisement The Croat could very well play at the base of Inter's trio, as a backup for Hakan Calhanoulglu for example. However, Sucic could also play in a box-to-box role in a midfield trio in the 3-5-2 shape Inter currently operate with. Moreover, should new Nerazzurri coach Cristian Chivu switch to a 3-4-2-1 shape, Sucic could also fill any role in that midfield setup. He has the goals and assists in his boots to play as an attacking midfielder in the final third. Therefore, reports Tuttosport, Sucic has put Henrikh Mkhitayran in particular on notice. The Armenian may finally find his place in the first-choice lineup under threat.