Analysis: Ironically, Pioli and De Boer have a similar tactical approach
Despite Perisic’s late score it’s quite safe to say that a draw is a fair result given what both clubs produced during the 90 minutes yesterday night.
Stefano Pioli deployed a 4-3-3 system with Jaison Murillo and Ever Banega relegated to a bench role. Gary Medel started alongside Joao Miranda in centre defence, Geoffrey Kondogbia replaced the Argentinean star in midfield.
Medel’s positioning is particularly interesting as the Chile International was tasked with the job of building the action from the back. Doing so, Pioli has obviated Inter’s need for a proper regista as it was Medel to start the action from the back leaving the three midfielders free join the strikers and create troubles to AC Milan’s defensive pack.
When Medel was replaced in the 34th minute due to an injury, Pioli’s tactical plan fell apart as neither Jaison Murillo nor Joao Miranda are as good as Medel when it comes to beginning the attacking action. As a result, Brozovic and Kondogbia had to rotate in front of defence.
Apart from Medel picked as centre-back, Pioli’s tactical plan yesterday night was ironically pretty similar to Frank De Boer’s. Inter pressed very high up the pitch like they used to do under the Dutchman boss. Inter’s pressing prevented AC Milan defenders from completing many passes and play with the ball on the ground.
Paletta could only manage 19 passes last night despite having an average of 47.1 per game this season, but Inter’s biggest problem, however, remains tackling their opponents’ counter attacks. Like during De Boer’s reign, Inter failed to recover the ball quickly when they lost it in midfield. Suso’s opener came from a similar situation with Geoffrey Knodogbia who failed to take the ball from Bonaventura’s feet who assisted the former Liverpool flop. Suso also managed to find the net of the goal thanks to a poor marking of Cristian Andaldi.
Federico Montalto, translated by Lorenzo Bettoni @lorebetto
