Chivu explores new attacking options and tactics at Inter Milan

Despite missing out on Ademola Lookman, Cristian Chivu wants to keep Inter Milan’s tactical plan alive with flexibility and internal solutions

Cristian Chivu is not giving up on the 3-4-2-1 already tested at the Club World Cup with his Inter Milan. 

In fact, despite the failure to sign Ademola Lookman, the coach has clear ideas and is working on both systems for the new season. 

Corriere dello Sport via Fcinter1908 highlights this ahead of the debut against Torino on Monday:

“Transfer negotiations may fade, but not the tactical ideas to change the team’s shape. The Lookman pursuit has been abandoned after weeks of chasing, but from the moment of his arrival Chivu has been studying the internal solutions within the Inter Milan squad so that the team can change attacking systems when needed.

Without the Nigerian winger and with a new offensive signing on hold for now, this could be the right time to explore in-house options. 

The Romanian coach has always believed in going beyond the classic two-man attack that defined recent Inter Milan seasons. The idea remains alive, as does the possibility of a last-minute signing to strengthen the attack.

Mkhitaryan Frattesi and Luis Henrique as new Inter Milan attacking weapons

The alternative system imagined by Chivu stems from the presence of players capable of pushing forward from their usual positions. 

The reference is to Mkhitaryan, Frattesi and Luis Henrique. The first two are midfielders, the Brazilian is a wide player, but all three can advance to highlight their offensive qualities. They could play closer to the strikers, such as Thuram or Bonny, and behind a centre-forward like Lautaro or Pio Esposito.

Luis Henrique, formerly of Marseille, still needs to improve his impact, but already has the ability to cut inside when not running down the right wing. 

He also has the right shot to finish moves, as proven by the 9 goals he scored last season for the French club.

Mkhitaryan and Frattesi represent a different adaptation. The Armenian has the vision and technique to provide the final pass, while the Italian knows how to time his runs into the box. 

Both can also score when needed. Frattesi showed it clearly coming off the bench in the last 2 seasons, while Mkhitaryan built his reputation in European football thanks to goals before moving deeper in recent years to save energy.

To start matches in advanced roles, they will need time to fine-tune their movements, but Chivu certainly keeps this extra option in mind to use even during games, when breaking the balance against specific opponents becomes crucial.

The new composition of the Inter Milan attack allows more variation, with strikers who offer different characteristics and all contribute to the team’s build-up. 

The Lautaro-Thuram partnership brought great results under Simone Inzaghi, but now Inter Milan have the right cards to look toward the future.”