Akanji opens door to four-man defense for Inter Milan under Chivu

According to the newspaper, with the arrival of the Swiss center-back, the switch to a four-man defense for Cristian Chivu is now truly possible

"An Ancelotti-style Chivu, Milan version. An Inter Milan that perhaps could even play the Christmas Tree system, just like the great AC Milan that between 2003 and 2007 won two Champions Leagues, losing another in the final. All thanks to… Manuel Akanji." 

That’s how Tuttosport via Fcinter1908 opens today’s focus on Inter Milan. According to the newspaper, now with the arrival of the Swiss center-back, the switch to a four-man defense for Cristian Chivu is truly possible.

From 3-5-2 to 4-3-2-1: how Akanji changes Chivu’s Inter Milan plans

"It is correct not to rush. Inter Milan, as shown in the first outings, will continue to play with the 3-5-2, and gradually the Romanian coach will introduce the 3-4-2-1 alternative to insert an extra attacking midfielder — above all Frattesi — thus giving the team a different offensive unpredictability. 

But the signing of the experienced Swiss defender on the last day of the transfer window offers Chivu a new opportunity, one that with the defenders previously available was objectively harder to pursue: the four-man defense. A line already tested by Chivu in two ‘emergency’ situations.

The rotation between Akanji and Pavard changes Inter Milan’s prospects. The Frenchman was an ideal ‘braccetto’, sometimes usable as a right wing-back thanks to his past as a full-back. 

Akanji, under Guardiola, broadened his tactical horizons, evolving from a center-back into a ‘braccetto’ and even playing as a right or left full-back. He will be the starter on the right side of Chivu’s three-man defense, but will also cover for the two veterans Acerbi and De Vrij. 

However, the Swiss will also be useful if the former treble winner wants to try, mid-match or even from the start, a four-man backline, as he is a natural right-sided center-back. Pavard would have been adapted; Bisseck, as shown against Udinese, still needs to grow defensively and in a pairing would have to refine certain automatisms.

Acerbi has sometimes done it for the national team alongside Bastoni, but being left-footed he would not be completely comfortable; while De Vrij plays in such a system occasionally with the Netherlands, but at club level he hasn’t been used in a back four since the 2018-19 season, his first at Inter Milan with Spalletti on the bench. 

For Akanji, creating a partnership with Bastoni would not be a problem but a natural step, and Inter Milan would thus gain an extra player in the offensive half.

By imagining a 4-3-2-1 based on the players at Chivu’s disposal, options include an additional attacking midfielder — with Frattesi as the main candidate, but also Mkhitaryan, Zielinski, or Luis Henrique — behind a midfield made of Barella, Calhanoglu, and Sucic (or Diouf). 

Alternatively, an extra forward could be added, forming a sort of trident with Lautaro or Pio Esposito as center-forward and two among Thuram, Bonny, and Lautaro himself playing behind. Extra options and new ideas, all thanks to Manuel Akanji."