SIMONE INZAGHI AND INTER MILAN
SIMONE INZAGHI COACHING PROFILE
Simone Inzaghi started his coaching journey in Lazio with the U17 and U19 groups. After dedicating six years to the youth system, he developed as a coach with good potential to work at the highest level in Seria A.
In the role of Head Coach, Inzaghi began the 2016/2017 season and, over the subsequent five years, managed 244 matches, achieving 133 victories, 43 draws, and 70 defeats. During the early stages of his coaching career, he secured two Super Cups and one Italian Cup.
His successful tenure at Lazio and new tactical ideas secured his signature at one of the best Italian clubs - Inter Milan. To date, he played 185 games and claimed 123 wins. In this period he won Serie A, 2x Italian, 3x Super Cups and once played in the Champions League final.
While these achievements are remarkable, what stands out is his game model. It represents a tactical evolution in response to teams employing man-marking or low-zonal marking strategies. By implementing novel approaches and versatile player roles, Inzaghi's Inter offers a distinct viewing experience in both Serie A and European competitions.
This analysis will concentrate on offensive organization, exploring the innovative tactical frameworks that make this coach unique at the moment.
SIMONE INZAGHI PLAYING STYLE
Inzaghi's general tactical approach can be characterized as Chaos with structure emphasizing Positional play with relational mentality and fast possession play with spatial-dynamic superiorities.
It means he uses universal players focusing on creating space and attacking quickly.
Before delving into the specifics of the game phases, it is essential to categorize the structures and variations that Simone employs at Inter. Inzaghi predominantly adopts a 3-5-2 formation, underpinned by fundamental principles such as rapid positional play, player rotations, and direct strategies against pressing opponents, all aimed at establishing spatial and dynamic superiority.
During the build-up phase 5m, initiating from a 4-2-4 formation designed to draw defensive pressure and navigate through the first and second lines of pressing. This strategy effectively utilizes macro space to engage strikers like Thuram and Lautaro Martinez, who operate as deep-lying forwards.
In the offensive middle zone, Inter establishes starting positions in a 3-2-5 formation, focusing on the dynamic involvement of center-backs and utilizing midfielders as the first line in the build-up from the back.
In the final third, the team aims to connect with the number nine through third-man lay-off combinations, employing early crosses from quality wing-backs such as DiMarco or Dumfries, or advancing aggressively with center-backs to facilitate cut-back passes.
From a Defensive perspective, they are not a team so interested in high pressing but in the Middle zone they set up with 5-3-2 and principle to MD's jumps more to press opposition FBs to keep stability at the back.
BUILD UP PLAY
In a 4-2-4 formation during the build-up phase at 5 meters, the fundamental principles of width involve retaining one wing-back player and the number 8, while maintaining depth with two strikers positioned diagonally to capitalize on second balls. Additionally, two deep central midfielders are positioned to draw pressure, allowing for the possibility of bypassing the first and second lines of defense or utilizing third-man combinations to progress the ball to the center-backs and seek further proggresion.
Example of Build up play 5m with 3rd man wall passes to attract the pressure and play to no.9
Example of Direct play aimed at target No. 9 with the idea of exploiting space in front of the opposition defense and collecting 2nd ball for progression of attack.
BUILD UP PLAY FROM THE BACK
-ROTATIONS AND ROLES OF FALSE CB'S-
One of the key tactical revolutions in modern football and Simone's toolkit is the interchange of two lines or Rotations. This approach involves the simultaneous or sequential rotation of the defensive and midfield lines to enhance options during build-up play. This tactical principle arises from the orientation of man-to-man marking systems employed by numerous teams in Italy, prompting Inzaghi to seek ways to create space, establish open passing lanes, and identify unmarked players.
These require universal players who can read time, space, and teammate's positioning.
Example of Rotations in Build up 1st phase of attack vs Man mark oriented teams.
Example after rotations MD and DEF line and progression from wide area entering to no.9 with 3rd man combination.
OFFENSIVE MIDDLE ZONE AND PROGRESSION OF ATTACK
In the progression of the attack, against the team who are Zonal or Man mark oriented with a passive approach, the primary objective is to use wide rotations and CBs to establish positional superiority. This approach aims to generate and exploit spaces behind the opposition as it is understood that the opposing forwards tend to lack the discipline to track their markers throughout recovery positions.
When observing Inter, it is not unusual to witness center-backs engaging in both underlapping and overlapping movements within the final third of their attacking play, as this is a fundamental element of their strategy. Inzaghi, as a coach, favors a direct style of football that incorporates both aerial and ground play, characterized by quick, short combinations. Consequently, one can expect to see Bastoni delivering precise passes over the opposition's defense, targeting players such as Thuram and Lautaro.
Key superiorities are Dynamic and Spatial with group offensive tactics such as 3rd man combinations or rotations and exploiting the spaces behind the opposition.
Wide area 424 structure with typical 3rd man combination into the space.
Central area Direct pass principle > target no.9 and 2nd ball situations.
Central area breaking the lines with false CB double movement and killer pass and runs in behind.
Roles of CBs as an important aspect of the Inzaghi Game Model. Offensive-oriented with timing to read open spaces to exploit.
Underlapping CB Acerbi and 3rd man wall passes.
FINAL THIRD
In the final third of the attack, Inter may adopt various formations that differ from the opponent's setup and overall offensive strategy. These formations can include a 2-3-5 or a 3-2-5, with the primary objective being to execute third-man wall passes to establish spatial advantages. Alternatively, if the space is restricted, the focus may shift towards utilizing wing-backs who possess exceptional crossing abilities for early deliveries.
Central 235 approaches 3rd man wall passes and spatial superiorities.
Central 1324 structure 3rd man wall passes with the idea to attract pressure and open micro spaces.
CONCLUSION
Inzaghi's team introduces innovative concepts in contemporary football, including the principles of Line Rotations, the utilization of active, vertically-oriented center-backs who engage in overlapping or underlapping movements, and a relational style of play characterized by its internal structure.
Additionally, it is noteworthy that following the progression of an attack, defenders remain positioned within the offensive lines for second attempts or during defensive transitions, effectively acting as the first line of pressure. This approach is notably more aggressive, as attackers may not consistently apply intense pressure. Offensive transitions are marked by directness and vertical orientation, featuring rapid combination play that leverages the speed of wing-backs and forwards.
Simone Inzaghi, currently the highest-paid manager in Italy with an annual net salary of 6.5 million euros and a record of 429 games (along with 8 trophies at the senior level), offers a refreshing perspective in tactical analysis and observation, with expectations for further developments in his approach.
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