Tactical tweaks expected as Inter Milan face Urawa Red Diamonds tonight

After a draw in their opening match against Monterrey, Inter Milan is hunting their first victory at the Club World Cup

After drawing their opening game against Monterrey, Inter Milan is eager to secure their first win in this Club World Cup. 

Tonight at 9 PM Italian time, they face the Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds. Coach Cristian Chivu is considering some tactical changes.

“The break has lifted the spirits of the Nerazzurri, who are discovering the new methods of fitness coach Stefano Rapetti and Cristian Chivu himself, who still has to improvise the lineup due to numerous absences. 

Chivu’s lineup challenges amid injuries and tactical experiments

More than anything else, the coach is searching for a suitable partner for Lautaro, as Thuram trained separately like the other injured players (Dumfries only warmed up with the group). 

In the internal battle between the Esposito brothers, Sebastiano has slightly better chances to play, although Pio — finally called up — will probably see minutes as a substitute,” writes La Gazzetta dello Sport via Fcinter1908.

“All eyes are on him, the predestined, and on the newcomers who are starting to ‘tempt’ the Romanian. 

Petar Sucic has yet to be tested in the starting XI, while Brazilian Luis Henrique, who impressed against Monterrey, could overtake Darmian,” the newspaper adds.

“On the other flank, after a rest, Dimarco is ready to return, and De Vrij might give Acerbi a break, but watch out for possible original midfield moves: in the pre-match trials, Zalewski temporarily replaced Mkhitaryan. 

Choosing the Polish player would allow a shift in formation — more of a 3-4-2-1 rather than the usual 3-5-2,” the daily concludes.