Inter Milan have started the 2026‑27 Serie A campaign with a mixed bag of results. After five rounds the club sit on 13 points, but have already let in eight goals in the league and ten across all competitions. The defensive frailties have prompted former Inter defender Beppe Bergomi to voice his concerns about the club’s recent centre‑back recruitment, especially the role of John Stones.
Why Bergomi doubts Stones can adapt
Speaking to Sky Sports, the 71‑year‑old Nerazzurri icon said the English defender arrived from Manchester City on a free transfer but is still accustomed to a very different style of play. "Stones has arrived, but he’s used to playing in a team that has 80% possession and defends as a unit," Bergomi explained. "Inter push a lot of players above the ball, so the defenders have to defend one‑on‑one, and he isn’t used to that."
Inter’s recent defensive record
Since the season opened, Inter have conceded eight goals in Serie A - an average of 1.6 per game - and ten in all competitions. The club’s backline has been tested against strong opponents, including a 2‑0 deficit against Roma that was only rescued by a Lautaro Martínez brace in the second half. Earlier in the campaign, Inter managed comebacks against Napoli and Udinese, but they also suffered a 2‑1 loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League.
The man‑marking gap left by De Vrij and Acerbi
Stefan de Vrij and Francesco Acerbi both left Inter at the end of their contracts in June 2026. Their departures created a vacuum in the type of centre‑back that excels at man‑marking, a quality Bergomi believes is essential for Inter’s three‑man defensive shape. While the club has added players such as Nico Akanji and Timo Bisseck, Bergomi argues they cannot fully replace the specialised marking skills that De Vrij and Acerbi provided.
Stones’ injury setback
John Stones missed the weekend’s match due to a flexor injury sustained against Udinese. The injury kept him on the sidelines, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his integration into the squad. When he did feature, he was substituted for Curtis Jones in the 68th minute of the 14 September clash with Udinese at the San Siro.
Other recent arrivals
Inter’s defensive reinforcements also include Benjamin Pavard, who returned from a loan spell at Marseille. Pavard brings experience but, according to Bergomi, does not possess the same man‑marking instincts that the club lost with De Vrij and Acerbi. The combination of Stones, Pavard, Akanji and Bisseck has yet to prove a cohesive unit capable of handling Inter’s high‑pressing, high‑line approach.
Looking ahead
The next few fixtures will be crucial for Bergomi’s assessment to be tested. If Inter can tighten the backline and reduce the goals conceded, Stones may adapt to the demands of Italian football. However, if the defensive leak continues, the criticism will likely intensify, putting pressure on manager Simone Inzaghi to reconsider his options during the upcoming transfer window.
Bergomi’s critique hits the mark - Stones looks out of his depth in a league that demands aggressive man‑marking. Inter must act quickly or risk a season derailed by defensive lapses.
Tactically, Inter may need to shift to a deeper defensive line to protect Stones while they adapt. Strategically, the club could explore a January signing to add a true man‑marker, preserving their title ambitions.
Preguntas Frecuentes
Bergomi says Stones is used to a possession‑based system with collective defending, whereas Inter often requires centre‑backs to win one‑on‑one duels and mark tightly.
Inter have let in eight goals after five Serie A matches, averaging 1.6 goals per game.
Both defenders left Inter at the end of their contracts in June 2026.