There are a number of different tactical sub-plots to the upcoming derby between Inter and AC Milan after the international break, including the use of wing/full-backs.
This morning’s edition of Tuttosport (via PianetaMilan) writes that Simone Inzaghi has remained faithful to his 3-5-2 formation but could broaden his solutions in the build-up phase with the arrival of a technical defender like Benjamin Pavard.
With the addition of Carlos Augusto on the left there is additional cover on that flank too, given he is more similar to Federico Dimarco than Robin Gosens.
Stefano Pioli, however, has changed. He renounced the 4-2-3-1 to switch to 4-3-3. The current Milan have been impressive in the attacking phase with their trident and the additions of the new midfielders Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tijjani Reijnders.
It is the work of the full-backs – Davide Calabria and Theo Hernández – that is evolving more and more. Just as Alessandro Bastoni continues to be a factor in the Nerazzurri’s game play, the Rossoneri now have weapons in their rearguard too.
This is where Inzaghi and Pioli are making the difference. The moves of the coaches of the two Milanese clubs are undoubtedly creating big headaches for their opposite numbers, increasing the unpredictability.
Bastoni goes on runs forward, sends long passes, overlaps, crosses and shoots on goal. Without forgetting Matteo Darmian and Francesco Acerbi in the three-man defence who are also very capable.
Pioli started work on inverting his full-backs in October 2022 when his side beat Juventus 2-0. Pierre Kalulu and Theo Hernández often moved up alongside Ismaël Bennacer. transforming the 4-2-3-1 into a 2-3-4-1 in the attacking phase.
With the current 4-3-3 this movement pushes Loftus-Cheek and Reijnders forward, thus making the Rossoneri’s attacking play very enveloping, but even more attacking compared to the tactical adjustment of a year ago. Almost the modern version of Italy ‘s 2-3-2-3 in the 1930s.
Just realized that inter haven’t conceded any goal. We gotta be the first to do it, right 😀