Petar Sucic used Inter’s win over Parma to offer a timely reminder of why the club sees him as a midfielder for the years ahead. Given a start by Cristian Chivu, the Croatian struck his first goal of the season with a left-footed finish into the top corner, turning an uncertain opening phase of the campaign into a more encouraging chapter.
The goal came after Parma made a serious error while playing out from the back, but Sucic still had to seize the moment. He did so decisively, taking the opportunity that had emerged in a midfield reshuffle. Jones’ injury in training altered Chivu’s plans; without it, the Englishman would likely have started alongside Hakan Calhanoglu and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Sucic had arrived back from international duty after four Croatia appearances, three of them from the beginning. Chivu had spoken during the break about managing the workload of those who had played heavily for their national teams, with the Champions League programme also in mind. Yet the Parma match became an occasion for the coach to distribute responsibility across his squad rather than simply protect tired legs.
Manuel Akanji, Piotr Zielinski, Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella were all rested, while Lautaro Martinez was introduced only for the final half-hour. Sucic was therefore entrusted with a central role and responded with an involved display: 70 touches and 55 completed passes, regularly keeping himself available in the middle of Inter’s play.
There was one blemish late on, when he surrendered possession and Parma’s Romero was able to launch a counterattack. It did not, however, change the wider impression of a player who had been waiting for his chance. In his previous two starts he had not found the same authority, and his overall minutes had prompted discussion during the international break.
Confidence rather than a dispute
Zvonimir Boban, now president of Dinamo Zagreb, had questioned why a player he regards as part of Croatia’s future had featured so little for Inter. The remarks drew attention in Croatia, especially given Sucic’s connection with the old Maksimir setting where Boban is now based.
Sucic had fuelled curiosity when asked about Boban’s comments, replying that people should wait three months. But there is no suggestion of a dispute with Inter. His point was about what lay ahead in the season, not dissatisfaction with his standing at the club.
After the Parma game, Sucic made clear that he did not wish to dwell on speculation surrounding his playing time. “The important thing is that we won,” he said. “Parma may have had one chance, perhaps. We should be pleased. It was a good performance and I am happy; I am always happy when I play.”
The 22-year-old is tied to Inter until 2030 and remains regarded as a future mezzala for the club. He has accumulated 302 minutes in all competitions so far, a total that should rise as Chivu balances Serie A, Europe and the demands placed on his midfield. Last season, Sucic scored four times across 50 appearances: twice in Serie A, once in the Champions League and once in the Coppa Italia. Against Parma, he supplied the latest indication that patience may be rewarded.
