Serie A – Tactical Analysis – Inter Milan 3 Udinese 1

Serie A – Tactical Analysis – Inter Milan 3 Udinese 1

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In a game that made history as the first ever in Serie A where no Italians were fielded in either of the starting lineups, Stevan Jovetic’s brace ensured Inter Milan returned to winning ways with a home victory against Udinese.

The away side took a shock lead within the opening 10 minutes after Cyril Théréau latched onto a ranged pass from Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu and volleyed past Samir Handanovic in between the posts

After controlling much of the game thereafter though and testing Udinese shot-stopper Orestis Karnezis, the Nerazzurri were back on level terms. Now back in the first team fold Jovetic tapped-in the equaliser, receiving an intelligent across goal pass from Mauro Icardi in the 36th minute. It was the Montenegrin’s first league goal since the reverse fixture in December.

Despite the continued dominance over their opponents, it took the hosts until just 15 minutes from full time to find the goal that put them ahead. An incisive through ball from Marcelo Brozovic set Jonathan Biabiany free in the box, who whipped in a low cross to Jovetic. The 26-year-old nudged the ball in with his chest to complete the turnaround.

Trailing, Luigi De Canio’s men nearly snatched an equaliser in stoppage time through Duván Zapata following a free-kick and knock-on inside the box. Handanovic, though, proved too stern a test for the Colombian.

Shortly afterwards, Internazionale sealed the three points following a swift counter-attack. Once again it was Brozovic who provided the defence-splitting pass, setting substitute Éder on his way to slot his first in Inter Milan colours.

The result marks the first occasion this season where Roberto Mancini’s side has come from behind to claim a league victory. The Nerazzurri now sit just four points behind AS Roma for the time being.

Udinese, however, remain in 14th place on 38 points for now and are all but safe from the threat of relegation.


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Formations

Mancini decided upon switching formations once again, going with 4-3-3 rather than the 4-2-3-1 that was utilised in the previous round’s loss to Genoa. In terms of personnel, the 51-year-old replaced five from that starting lineup. Yuto Nagatomo and Juan Jesus came into the back-four for Danilo D’Ambrosio and Alex Telles respectively, while Geoffrey Kondogbia returned straight to the starting lineup after serving a suspension for accumulation of yellow cards. Rodrigo Palacio and Ivan Perišic were also replaced, this time by Biabiany and Jovetic.

Inter Milan starting XI (4-3-3): Handanovic (GK); Nagatomo, Miranda, Murillo, Juan; Brozovic, Melo, Kondogbia; Biabiany, Icardi, Jovetic

De Canio kept faith with most of the team that defeated Fiorentina 2-1 in the previous round, making just two changes to his side. Thomas Hertaux was replaced at centre-back by former Inter man Felipe, while Edenílson came in at left wing-back for Ali Adnan.

Udinese starting XI (3-5-2): Karnezis (GK); Wagué, Danilo, Felipe; Widmer, Badu, Kuzmanovic, Fernandes, Edenílson; Zapata, Théréau

Inter utilise wide areas to stretch the play

A key feature to Inter’s newfound identity this term has been using the wingers and overlapping fullbacks in wide areas to get crosses into the box. Despite not boasting much of an aerial threat up front this tactic appears to work, at least due to the fact that they are spreading the play and drawing opposition defenders.

These 90 minutes at the San Siro provided viewers with just that. The hosts played with width and often got fullbacks Juan and Nagatomo high up the pitch in order to complete crosses. With Mancini’s side having attempted 42 in comparison to Udinese’s 18, it suggests this was the case.

It was in these wide areas that Inter had a lot of joy, either linking up out wide and beating defenders or putting dangerous balls into the box. Jovetic’s second goal is prime evidence of this.

A total of 42 attempted crosses meant Inter was always applying pressure to goal
A total of 42 attempted crosses meant Inter was always applying pressure to goal

Udinese tight and compact in defending through the centre

The Bianconeri set up tight and rigid at the back and allowed the home side to have possession in their half and make attempts at piercing them through the centre of the park. This was executed in the knowledge that Inter would have difficulties in doing so.

The Milanese side did find trouble, with Udinese mopping up and containing much that came towards them through the central zones. Inter were made to spread the play out wide in order to puncture the structured away defence.

Most of the interceptions, clearances and blocks the visitors made came in and around their own penalty area, showing they accomplished this task to somewhat great effect.

A total of 45 clearances show how hard the defence worked to keep the box under wraps
A total of 45 clearances show how hard the defence worked to keep the box under wraps

Brozovic’s contributions instrumental to Inter victory

In a match Inter may have easily let slip, it was the Croatian maestro in midfield who delivered another masterclass that ensured the home side did the double over Udinese this campaign.

Brozovic’s vision and perfectly executed through passes allowed the Nerazzurri to snatch two goals. The first got Biabiany in-behind the Bianconeri’s rigid defence to tee up Jovetic for his second of the game, while the second was weighted perfectly in between two defenders and into Éder’s path, who only had Karnezis to beat.

Not only in attack did the 23-year-old excel, but also in defence were his contributions essential. Making three tackles, the highest of any Inter Milan midfielder, the Croatian showcased his all round game as well as his increasing importance to Mancini’s side.

Conclusion

Inter once again masterfully utilised all areas of the pitch in order to break down a very tight and well organised Udinese defence. The wingers and fullbacks have become vital members in Mancini’s system, as has Croatian midfielder Brozovic. The skilful midfielder’s contributions all throughout his time on the pitch were key to Mancini’s squad garnering maximum points.

Despite going to the San Siro with a game plan that was well executed, De Canio’s Udinese came out second best after failing to accomplish its task for the entire duration of the match. They created their share of chances, but not enough to trouble Mancini’s men too greatly considering much of their game plan was based on defensive rigidity and structure.

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