Tactical Analysis: Milan vs. Inter

With Inter looking to challenge for the Scudetto while playing adventurous and risky football and Milan seeking to continue their great form under Stefano Pioli, the first Derby della Madonnina of the season both promised and delivered.

The defining individual on the night was Zlatan Ibrahimović, who at 39 years of age, spearheaded Milan to their first derby win in Serie A since the 2015/16 season and continued to show why he is one of the best strikers in Italy. In this article, I will predominantly look at the impact that man-marking had on proceedings; why it worked for Milan but failed for Inter.

When Inter were building up, Arturo Vidal dropped deep beside Marcelo Brozović to form a 3-2 build-up shape, and the defenders would stay narrow to protect against potential turnovers which could stem from Milan’s high man-oriented press, with the wingbacks being solely responsible for providing width during the build-up phase.

However, Inter’s midfield configuration altered depending on what phase of play the game was at, with Vidal and Nicolò Barella being tasked with man-marking Milan’s double pivot of Franck Kessié (Vidal) and Ismaël Bennacer (Barella). Out of possession, it resembled more of a 1-2 corresponding with Milan’s 4-2-3-1 as it pertains to defensive responsibilities.