The two coaches face each other for the first time in their careers: here are the Nerazzurri moves that could influence the game
A rookie? Cristian Chivu will smile when they talk to him about his first Milan derby. In reality, he has already faced six without losing a single one: we are not celebrating his decorated career as an Inter player, in which he nevertheless enjoyed considerable success in 19 derbies played, but his credentials as Primavera coach, who in three seasons has beaten Milan twice and drawn the other four games. With players such as Casadei and Pio Esposito, he was able to respect and assimilate the game most cherished by the fans, even watching it from the bench. Unbeaten, then, as well as Italian champion for a year. On Sunday, however, it will be a completely different story. Not only because Chivu is up against an experienced colleague, Massimiliano Allegri, who has a 493-game advantage in Serie A (517 to 24 is the overall tally), but also because the big derby is tension and emotion, expectations and disillusionment, courage and fear. It is different, even from itself, because no two are alike. Perhaps the team that best controls its nerves will win. Or perhaps not. The team that proves to be better in everything will win. Even in strategy. From this point of view, Chivu is ready to step into the role, taking advantage of the return of Marcus Thuram and the many offensive options that will allow him to develop and adapt different tactical ideas. He will not change his philosophy, but rather refine it to rein in his illustrious rival.
Thuram has worked hard during the break to be at his best. His last start was on September 30, Inter vs. Slavia Prague, when he pulled a muscle in the sublime bend that generated a winning backheel. With Lautaro, the most forbidden dream duo is reunited on the most important night. Their movements will be one of the keys to Inter’s attack. Lautaro will often come to meet the ball when his teammates come out of pressing to accompany the maneuver, attracting at least one Milan defender, if not two, around him. At that point, Thuram will have the space he needs to slip into the depth, one of Chivu’s preliminary requests, who does not want to circumvent the opponent before mocking him: he wants to attack him and hit him head-on.
Aggression— Marcus will be launched by the midfielders, all capable of quickly verticalizing the game. Of course, however, in order to bite, you first have to show your teeth. Aggression is a minimum requirement for the new Inter, which scored against Lazio in the opening minutes thanks to Bastoni’s high pressing, maximized by Lautaro’s impossible shot. A high recovery, as they say in Coverciano, worthy of applause. This time, the element to neutralize is the genius Modric, whom Chivu does not intend to give time to think about the play. Therefore, Lautaro will be first in line, but then mainly Calhanoglu and the two midfielders will have to stifle his reasoning with meticulous control. If, on the other hand, Milan chooses to play long balls to avoid trouble on the break, Inter has good countermeasures and will organize itself accordingly.
The focus— In defense, Chivu’s recommendation is obvious: don’t leave yourself open to Milan’s counterattacks, which, with Leao and Pulisic, can break away at speeds that are unstoppable for any defender. It’s possible that Inter will start with Bisseck in the center again on Sunday, as he is the most dynamic of the bunch. But one player alone is no guarantee of protection. Preventive marking and double-teaming will be crucial: Carlos Augusto, who is set to replace the injured Dumfries on the right wing, is very good at this. It’s not his usual position, but in an emergency, it doesn’t matter: Carlos will help Akanji against Leao. On the other side, Dimarco will assist Bastoni in containing Pulisic. Sacrifices for the derby.
