Inter Milan create, then defend: Chivu’s new balance pays off

Plenty of chances, then a tactical retreat as Inter Milan protect the lead in Udine

Inter Milan produced chances but were forced to withstand a late Udinese surge, ultimately closing the match in survival mode. 

Cristian Chivu reacted by reshaping his team into a compact 5-4-1, even pushing Akanji into midfield to shield the defence.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport via Fcinter1908 poetically noted, the system now works smoothly, much like a January sun unexpectedly warming Udine. Lautaro Martínez converts energy into goals, while Chivu organizes the rest of the workforce to prevent any power loss.

At Udine, Inter Milan claimed their seventh league win by a one-goal margin. It could have been eight, had Thuram not sealed the 2-0 late at Parma. 

Seven out of 21 matches decided by a single goal still means one game in three. Even more telling, this was the fourth 1-0 victory, the second in just four days, pushing the total of Serie A clean sheets to 11. Coincidence? Hardly.

From doubts to defensive solidity: Chivu doubles down on pragmatism

After the painful and unexpected defeat in Turin against Juventus, which had fueled skepticism around Inter Milan’s new tactical direction, Chivu chose to change style and strategy. 

Once his team takes the lead and the finish line comes into sight, the coach now tends to deploy a “tortoise shell” setup, a deep 5-4-1 designed to protect Sommer and keep danger at bay.

Against Udinese, as he had already done in the closing minutes at Genoa, Chivu went a step further. Akanji moved into midfield, while a granite-like trio of Bisseck, Acerbi and De Vrij formed the final defensive wall. Through the air or on the ground, nothing was getting through.

Once again, the call proved correct. The young and inventive coach has now collected 25 points out of 27 in the last nine matches, strengthening Inter Milan’s grip on first place in the standings, while waiting for AC Milan’s response.

A Inter Milan side that no longer just dazzles, but knows how to suffer, adapt and close games, is quietly turning narrow wins into a powerful statement.