Andy Diouf shines in Inter Milan friendly against Padova

Two days ago at Pinetina, the Frenchman impressed with a goal and a convincing display

In the friendly match won 3-1 by Inter Milan against Padova, played two days ago at Pinetina, Andy Diouf left his mark.

Of course, it was just a simple test, more of a run-out, but the Frenchman approached it in the right way, making the most of every minute to showcase his qualities. “All eyes were on him, and Diouf did not miss the chance to shine. 

The midfielder managed to demonstrate his talent, taking seriously what was essentially a competitive training session. The action with which he scored Inter Milan’s third goal was particularly telling,” wrote Corriere dello Sport via Fcinter1908.

Bursts of pace and acceleration are among his main assets, as well as ball control that allows him to get past opponents. 

Box-to-box Diouf: quality and hunger to join the rotations

In short, Diouf is a true “box-to-box” midfielder, and he showed it, even while playing as a pure holding midfielder. 

Clearly, he still needs time to work, adapt, and fully learn Italian football, but his determination to secure a permanent place in the rotations is undeniable.

On this occasion, Chivu mixed his regulars with some Under-23 players, lining up in a 3-4-2-1 formation. 

The Frenchman partnered with Mkhitaryan in midfield, ahead of a backline featuring Bisseck, Acerbi, and Palacios, with Darmian and Carlos Augusto on the flanks. Meanwhile, Luis Henrique (on the left) and Bonny supported lone striker Spinaccè. True, the lineup was influenced by several absences, but it was still a clear sign that the Romanian coach intends to continue working on an alternative system.