Italian media unimpressed by Ajax’s ‘Dutch kids’: ‘Not as fearsome as they used to be’ | OneFootball

Italian media were unimpressed with Ajax after their 2-0 home defeat to Inter Milan. The Amsterdam side had little to offer against last year’s Champions League finalists and were easily outplayed as Marcus Thuram scored a pair of headed goals either side of the break. The general consensus? “Heitinga’s decisions didn’t work out well.”

“In Rembrandt’s city, it’s worth pausing to consider one of his paintings and include Thuram,” writes La Gazzetta dello Sport, which took the artistic route. “Dr. Thuram’s lesson in heading. The striker laughs, while the people around him look on curiously. Just like the surgeon in the painting ‘The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp’.”

The pink sports newspaper noted that Thuram, in particular, taught Ajax a valuable lesson. “Ajax were a combative opponent, but inaccurate, and a few classes below Inter, especially in the air. The result was two identical goals from Marcus Thuram, who scored with two decisive headers.”

Corriere dello Sport saw a small bright spot in the first half for Ajax. “The Dutch team’s playing style almost paid off in the first half hour (with Mika Godts). Ajax attacked Inter with powerful and well-organised pressure. This created a great opportunity, which could have rewarded their play on the pitch.”

Yet it was Thuram who “brought Ajax’s defence into turmoil with his sheer physical strength alone.” Ultimately, the Ajax team was put in its place by the sports newspaper. “Heitinga’s Ajax is young, as is tradition in Amsterdam. But this Ajax aren’t as fearsome as they used to be.”

According to La Repubblica, the Amsterdam side lacked both quality and courage. “Heitinga’s decision to field 10 of the 11 players who played against PEC Zwolle backfired. The modest Edvardsen, who replaced Berghuis, is the only exception.”

Tuttosport was also unimpressed with the young team Heitinga fielded in the Champions League opener. “This Inter team is too experienced to be afraid of these Dutch kids.”

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield