Chivu tests 3-4-2-1 system as Inter Milan eyes new trequartisti

Tactical experiments continue at Inter Milan, but market reinforcements may be necessary to make the 3-4-2-1 formation a real option

Cristian Chivu’s Inter Milan is still in the experimental phase, with the manager testing new tactical solutions. 

In the second round of the Club World Cup against Urawa Red Diamonds—won 2-1—Inter Milan adopted a formation with two holding midfielders, Barella and Asllani, and two attacking midfielders, Zalewski and Sebastiano Esposito, supporting Lautaro Martinez.

This setup isn’t entirely new, having been trialed by Inzaghi after Zalewski’s integration into the squad. 

However, the Club World Cup is beginning to reveal that the 3-4-2-1 may become more than a simple alternative for Chivu.

The experiment only lasted 45 minutes: in the first half, Inter Milan looked disorganized and lacked sharpness. After halftime, Chivu switched the structure, bringing on Pio Esposito and Mkhitaryan for the two trequartisti, reverting to a more familiar system.

According to Calciomercato.com via Fcinter1908, the idea of using one or two attacking midfielders remains an option Chivu is seriously considering. The question is whether the current squad is suitable, or whether action is needed in the transfer market.

Squad unbalanced: too many mezzali, not enough trequartisti

Bonny and Thuram—both used behind Lautaro—offer an intriguing possibility. Both possess pace, physicality, and strong dribbling skills. 

This tactical approach echoes Gasperini’s Atalanta model with Lookman and De Ketelaere behind Retegui.

However, as Calciomercato.com notes, Inter Milan’s squad shows an evident surplus of mezzali (Frattesi, Barella, Sucic, Zielinski, Mkhitaryan) and a lack of true attacking midfielders, with perhaps only Valentin Carboni fitting the mold.

That’s why the market has once again become central. Two names have resurfaced: Nico Paz and Arda Guler—both modern, creative trequartisti who would slot perfectly into the 3-4-2-1 system.

Chivu’s tactical project originally started with the idea of a 4-3-3, which turned out to be unsuitable for the characteristics of the squad. Reinforcements like Paz and Guler could bring that vision to life through an adjusted path.

However, Inter Milan CEO Beppe Marotta recently stated: “A modern coach like Chivu must adapt to the players' characteristics, and that’s exactly what he’s doing.”

It remains to be seen whether that’s just a diplomatic answer or a concrete guideline for the future. 

The upcoming matches—starting with the one against River Plate—will help determine whether the 3-4-2-1 is set to become a permanent part of Inter Milan’s tactical identity, or whether the squad, perhaps with new additions, needs to evolve in another direction.