Two Key Players Struggling To Adjust As Cristian Chivu Changes Tactics At Inter Milan
Two Key Players Struggling To Adjust As Cristian Chivu Changes Tactics At Inter Milan
Federico Dimarco and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are particularly struggling to adjust to the tactical changes Cristian Chivu is making at Inter Milan.
Today's print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, note how neither of the pair quite fit into the 3-4-2-1 formation that the new coach has been experimenting with.
Advertisement
Cristian Chivu has been Inter Milan coach for a couple of weeks now.
Therefore, the Romanian has had a number of training sessions to put his stamp on the team.
Moreover, Chivu has been on the bench for two Inter matches so far. He has coached the Nerazzurri in Club World Cup matches against Monterrey and Red Diamonds.
Meanwhile, the Nerazzurri have one more group stage match to go in the tournament. Watch Inter Milan vs River Plate for FREE with DAZN on any device!
These matches have presented an invaluable opportunity to observe how Chivu will try and change the team.
Sometimes, the 44-year-old has stuck closely with the 3-5-2 shape that Simone Inzaghi had virtually always used.
Advertisement
However, Chivu has also tested out a 3-4-2-1 formation. That was the starting formation for Saturday's clash with Urawa Red Diamonds.
Dimarco & Mkhitaryan Struggle To Adapt As Chivu Tests Out Change In Shape At Inter
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 17: Henrikh Mkhitaryan #22 of FC Internazionale Milano warms up prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between CF Monterrey and FC Internazionale Milano at Rose Bowl Stadium on June 17, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by)
A big question with this change in formation has been how certain players would adapt.
Inzaghi's 3-5-2 formation had gotten the best out of a number of players in the squad.
And there are some early signs that certain players in the squad aren't nearly as comfortable in a 3-4-2-1 formation.
Wingback Federico Dimarco had been one of the big success stories under Inzaghi at Inter.
The Italian international had an enormous amount of freedom on the pitch, and particularly in the final third, under Inzaghi.
Advertisement
On the other hand, in the 3-4-2-1 Dimarco has to stay wider and deeper. This is because, with two attacking midfielders, it is harder for the 27-year-old to drift infield without stepping on other players' toes.
Meanwhile, Henrikh Mkhitaryan was another of Inzaghi's most-used players. The Armenian was the player who brought balance to the left side of Inter's team.
But the role that Mkhitaryan really thrived in under Inzaghi was on the left of the midfield trio.
The 36-year-old doesn't quite have a natural position now, either in the midfield double pivot, or as an attacking midfielder.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
29 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Superstar Inter Milan Midfielder Admits Inzaghi's Departure Was ‘Strange News' – Adds ‘This Group Is Not Divided'
Superstar Inter Milan Midfielder Admits Inzaghi's Departure Was 'Strange News' – Adds 'This Group Is Not Divided' Nicolo Barella admits that it came as 'strange news' when Simone Inzaghi decided to leave Inter Milan. The 28-year-old spoke to Italian broadcaster DAZN, via FCInterNews. He also insisted that the Nerazzurri are 'not divided.' Advertisement Simone Inzaghi left Inter Milan right at the start of June. The timing of the 49-year-old's exit was certainly particularly significant. He departed just a few days after Inter had lost the Champions League 5-0 against Paris Saint-Germain. Moreover, there had been rumours about Inzaghi's departure floating around for weeks before he made his decision. Inzaghi made the decision to leave the Nerazzurri and join Al-Hilal. This came right after he had decided to depart. However, it was not as though Al-Hilal had just come onto the scene. Nicolo Barella Admits 'Inzaghi Leaving Inter Was Strange News' Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella admits that Inzaghi leaving was 'strange news.' Advertisement 'After four years, it had been habit to be with him,' the Italian international continued. 'When I was at Cagliari, I went through a lot of changes of coach. And even at Inter.' 'I know how it works,' Barella continued. 'I'm not saying I'm used to it. But I know how it works.' 'The only thing I did was thank Inzaghi and his staff,' added the 28-year-old. 'For the four fantastic years, years of growth and great feelings.' Then, Barella gave his thoughts on Inter at the Club World Cup this summer. 'I agree 100% with the idea that you always have to compete,' he said. 'That was a reflection of last season.' Advertisement 'We didn't manage to win,' Nicolo Barella added. 'But it was a season that left us with a lot, both negative and positive.' 'Now we're here to pick ourselves back up and do the best we can.' And Barella said of Inter's mentality after the Champions League final that 'I don't think that the group is divided.' 'But logically, after certain losses, you start to feel a certain discomfort.' 'When you win everything is fine,' Barella said. 'But I don't think that there's anyone in the group who doesn't want the best for Inter.'
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Report – Fiorentina Join Parma In The Race For Inter Milan Striker
Report – Fiorentina Join Parma In The Race For Inter Milan Striker Fiorentina are ready to rival Parma for the signature of Inter Milan striker Sebastiano Esposito this summer transfer window. This according to today's print edition of FLorence-based newspaper La Nazione, via FCInter1908. Advertisement Sebastiano Esposito is currently back at Inter Milan. The 22-year-old's loan at Empoli ended, and the Tuscan side did not sign him on a permanent basis. Esposito has travelled to the United States with the Nerazzurri squad for the Club World Cup. And in fact, the Italy Under-21 international has started both of Inter's group stage matches so far. He was in the starting eleven against Monterrey and Urawa Red Diamonds. Meanwhile, Inter take on River Plate in their final group stage match this week. Watch Inter Milan vs River Plate for FREE with DAZN on any device! Esposito will remain part of the Inter squad for the rest of the tournament. However, after that he is likely to leave the Nerazzurri. Fiorentina Rival Parma To Sign Inter Milan Striker Sebastiano Esposito EMPOLI, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 29: Sebastiano Esposito of Empoli FC in action during the Serie A match between Empoli and Fiorentina at Stadio Carlo Castellani on September 29, 2024 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by) The question now is which club will come forward to sign Esposito. Advertisement The 22-year-old did have a strong season out on loan with Empoli last time out. Therefore, there is not a lack of interest in his signature. Parma remain keen on Esposito. He even came up in talks for Ange-Yoan Bonny. However, reports La Nazione, another club have come forward with an interest in Sebastiano Esposito. Fiorentina have already signed Edin Dzeko on a free transfer. But that may not be the end of their business in attack. For starters, La Viola will not be signing Albert Gudmundsson on a permanent basis with his loan having expired. Moreover, the future of Moise Kean is not altogether certain. Fiorentina had already shown an interest in one Inter striker in the form of Francesco Pio Esposito. However, he could prove a tough ask to sign.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Report – Agent Of Inter Milan Outcast In Talks With Besiktas
The agent of out-of-favour Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi is reportedly in talks with Turkish Super Lig club Besiktas. This according to Italian transfer journalist Gianluigi Longai. He reports in a tweet that the Iranian's entourage are looking for an exit route for him after an underwhelming first season at Inter. Advertisement Striker Mehdi Taremi joined Inter Milan last summer. He arrived on a free transfer after his contract with Porto had expired. However, it would be fair to say that Taremi has not met expectations at Inter. The 32-year-old finished the season having scored only three goals for the Nerazzurri. L'Inter cerca una sistemazione per Mehdi #Taremi. L'agente del giocatore sta sondando il mercato in Turchia, e ha avuto contatti con il #Besiktas. Al momento nessun dialogo diretto tra i due club. — Gianluigi Longari (@Glongari) June 23, 2025 Therefore, there is a sense that, even though Taremi may have enjoyed a few positive moments, by and large he has been below par. Agent Of Inter Outcast Mehdi Taremi In Talks With Besiktas LECCE, ITALY – JANUARY 26: Mehdi Taremi of Inter celebrates scoring his team's 4th goal during the Serie A match between Lecce and FC Internazionale at Stadio Via del Mare on January 26, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by) It is hardly a secret that Inter Milan would be happy to get rid of Mehdi Taremi at this stage. This is particularly the case because the Nerazzurri have other plans in attack. Therefore, a departure for the Iranian international would make room for arrivals such as Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund. Advertisement The big question, however, has been where Mehdi Taremi could go next. According to Italian transfer journalist Gianluigi Longari, the player's agent has been looking around at possible next clubs for him. And Longari reports that the agent has been in talks with Istanbul giants Besitkas.
