Milan 3-0 Inter: Pato goals put Milan in charge
The starting line-ups
Two goals from Alexandre Pato and another from Antonio Cassano sent Milan five points clear of Inter.
Max Allegri started Pato and Robinho upfront in Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s absence. Clarence Seedorf played on the left of midfield, and Gianluca Zambrotta got a surprise start at left-back.
Leonardo chose to play 4-2-1-3 rather than 4-3-1-2. Javier Zanetti played at left-back, and both Cristian Chivu and Andrea Ranocchia were fit to start – Lucio was suspended.
The game got off to a sensational start – Pato scored the opener after just 44 seconds, and Milan were immediately in charge.
Midfield battle
The key to the game was the midfield battle, where Milan had a 4 v 3 advantage. As a result, they dominated possession and all four players played their roles well – Mark van Bommel sat, Rino Gattuso shuttled and doubled up against Samuel Eto’o, Clarence Seedorf was the most ‘free’ player and carried the ball well, whilst Kevin-Prince Boateng drove forward and connected the midfield and attack. Boateng also provided an aerial presence for long goal-kicks forward, which was quite useful – as Inter’s forwards occupied Milan’s defenders, Christian Abbiati couldn’t play out from the back, and neither could he play long to Robinho or Pato, who lack height and aerial prowess.
There were some interesting duels in the midfield. Gattuso started playing high up, putting pressure on Thiago Motta when he moved forward with the ball, but Gattuso soon dropped deeper and spent more time moving out towards Eto’o, who wasn’t very effective in wide positions as a result. Mark van Bommel tracked Wesley Sneijder well, though was happy to let him drift into deeper positions unoccupied. On the other hand, when Milan had possession in the early stages, Sneidjer dropped deep and let van Bommel have time on the ball – but later on moved forward to mark him, and Milan weren’t able to use van Bommel as a pivot.
With both defences defending relatively deep (Milan more so than Inter, who moved higher up the pitch as the game went on), the midfield zone was stretched and very open. Inter were essentially overpowered in this zone, and Leonardo really needed an extra body in midfield to help Inter compete. He decided to start with Goran Pandev on the right – he may have regretted not using Dejan Stankovic, because that would have given him more flexibility to move between systems. The use of Sneijder and three forwards meant he was tied to 4-2-1-3.
Milan's midfield diamond worked very well. Here is their movement (black arrows) and usual passing style (white arrows) in more detail
Inter defence
Despite Milan’s obvious midfield advantage, they were at their most threatening when they played quick, direct football, rather than working the ball gradually forward. With Inter behind from the first minute and therefore pushing both Maicon and Javier Zanetti up the pitch straight away, they often had 2 v 2 at the back.
Ranocchia and Chivu simply couldn’t deal with the pace of Pato and Robinho, who started from the channels and made diagonal runs into the centre of the pitch, in behind the defence. Really, Inter needed an extra man at the back, or at least a full-back playing a more conservative role, and in a position to cover when Milan broke quickly.
It was the first time Ranocchia and Chivu had started together at the back, and there was clearly no understanding between the two. Chivu was the most vulnerable. He became drawn up the pitch too easily, and then didn’t have the pace to turn and recover his position. Ranocchia and Zanetti had to cover on separate occasions when Pato went through in the first half.
It should also be noted that Milan’s midfield advantage meant there was often no Inter pressure on the ball for passes over the top. Pato was also guilty of not using his pace enough – turning back into play rather than motoring towards goal.
Inter had their chances, though. Both came from wide areas (where they naturally were more of a threat than Milan). Motta’s header from a corner was brilliantly saved by Christian Abbiati, whilst Eto’o somehow shot wide at the far post after a Pandev cross.
Second half
The game was decided soon after half time. Inevitably, the key moment involved Chivu being caught out for pace in behind – Pato got the ball in Milan’s centre-left channel, was through on goal, but cut across the pitch and was tripped by Chivu. The Romanian was sent off, and Ivan Cordoba replaced Pandev as Inter went 4-2-1-2ish.
Milan made very good use of their extra man (in stark contrast to how they failed to adapt (under Leonardo) when Jose Mourinho’s Inter went down to ten men in this fixture last year). They suddenly had their full-backs completely free, and spread the ball from flank to flank, stretching the play and making Inter’s ten men work harder. The goal came when Ignazio Abate (the poorest player in the first Milan derby of the season, but very good here) motored forward and crossed for Pato’s second.
That was essentially game over. Milan continued to be a threat with balls over the top, and Robinho should have taken advantage of these situations. His replacement, Antonio Cassano, won and scored a penalty in stoppage time, before being sent off.
Conclusion
A clear tactical victory for Allegri – or perhaps, more of a defeat for Leonardo. Inter were exposed in two different ways – they were outnumbered and outbattled in midfield, whilst also amazingly vulnerable at the back to balls over the top. Inter didn’t do well enough without the ball – the wide forwards, in particular, didn’t help out enough – which has echoes of Milan under Leonardo last year, particularly away at Manchester United.
Milan may have been helped by Ibrahimovic’s absence. Though he was the key man in the fixture earlier in the season (and his pace was a threat, winning the penalty in that game), Milan enjoyed having too very mobile players who played in the channels, rather with a more static focal point for the attack. Their two experienced Dutchman also had great games in the centre – van Bommel broke things up and distributed the ball wide, whilst Seedorf played intelligent balls higher up.
Milan 3-0 Inter: Pato goals put Milan in charge
ZM – Tactically speaking, Leonardo seems to have been left wanting in a lot of the bigger Serie A fixtures during his tenure as Inter boss so far. Would you agree? He also arguably got lucky in the Bayern game, given that Inter were overwhelmed for the majority of that match and were saved by the wasteful Bayern forwards. Come to think of it, I see a lot of similarities between the two games (Bayern away and tonight’s away derby), other than the result. Inter were ripped apart time and again and Chivu’s sending off probably came as a relief to him (though I’m not convinced there was any contact). I did, nonetheless, view the sending off as the turning point as it pretty much entirely nullified any threat Inter posed going forward. How different things could have been if Eto’o had put away that ludicrously simple chance…
Eto’o has missed easy chances against Milan and Juve, when Inter just needed a goal to equalize. I guess you can’t be brilliant all the time.
He doesn’t seem to be a great tactician, though a lot of credit is due for turning Inter’s season around. I still don’t think he seems like a natural coach really – the jobs have come to him rather than vice-versa and he says he wants a future in football administration, not football coaching…
That is certainly true; he enjoyed a good tenure in the Milan administration prior to his coaching appointment. However, he is a good motivator and does have a good eye for talent (Thiago Silva).
He’s no Mourinho, but he does seem to have a good grasp of tactics. He’s shown an ability to turn a game around with a single substitution (I’m talking about Bayern), and he knows how to best use the squad at his disposal.
He still has a lot to learn, but to dismiss his tactical understanding entirely seems a little harsh in my opinion.
A great victory for Milan with an absolutely ancient midfield. How I wish Seedorf was 5 years younger, because he is still capable of brilliance when rested; he just can’t recover quickly enough nowadays. I agree with your point ZM about Milan being better without Zlatan tonight, he is just not necessary against certain teams. In the Serie A having a big hulking centerforward is a must to deal with the deep defences and the fact that he can create for himself is a big plus, but in the CL he is just not as necessary. I think Milan would be better off getting a less high profile centerforward for use in the Serie A but not with the obligation to play every match and can be left out of the team in certain games.
One of the keys to Inter’s inability to create, was, as you mentioned, the marking on Eto’o. I think he just doesn’t fit as a left-forward in a standard 4-2-3-1. His best role is indeed on the left, but as an inside forward who plays directly off a centre-forward, not as a left midfielder whose job it is to dribble past half the opposing team.
Milan had a plan in place to mark him, but his position and tendency to run directly down the line made it easy for them to mark him.
For a brief period in the second half after Chivu’s Red Card I thought Milan switched to a straight 4-4-2 with Boateng being a central midfielder rather than the trequartista Allegri usually plays him as and did so today as well.
That was only for about 10 minutes or so though, still quite interesting.
Yeah, you could be right there. A few times he actually seemed deeper than van Bommel…
what a chess game by Allegri, who for his first season at a big club isn’t doing too bad is he? whereas Milan had a clear & obvious route to goal, Inter seemed to lack guidance & knowledge of where & how to hurt Milan. time & again Pato & Robinho exploited the space vacated by Maicon during open play (1st half) & through counter attacks (2nd half). in the 1st half, Seedorf would attack from the left, attracting Maicon to the ball. Pato/Robinho would make diagonal runs, one behind Maicon (pulling Ranocchia wide) & the other through the centre (with Chivu).
Milan scored from an obvious defensive lapse, & Inter just couldn’t play catch up. Cambiasso & Motta couldn’t get on the ball enough, so Sneijder had to drop deeper to recieve the ball (I think the plan was for him to recieve in Milan’s half, but that went completely out of the window). disappoining game by Eto’o, who usually makes the difference & I don’t even want to talk about Cassano haha!
Inter’s best attacking strategy played right into Milan’s hands. Inter start the attack on the left, & Sneijder would change play to a marauding Maicon (shouting, swinging, waving his hands, & everything) who had so much space, but then what? this is where I doubt Leonardo. Maicon was isolated as soon as Seedorf &/or Zambrotta jocked him, usually won the ball & Milan countered dangerously.
I was hopinh for more, but seeing how Inter attacked knew the game was over by half time.
On the first scoring play, when Robinho makes his run into the 6 yard box behind the centerbacks, who were focused on (Pato?), Maicon did not follow him, leaving him free for the cross in from the right.
What went wrong for Inter on this play–wasn’t Maicon supposed to keep marking Robinho? Or did he think one of the centerbacks would shift to cover Robinho, and by the time he noticed, it was too late?
Good point. The diamond can be vulnerable to attacking fullbacks, but Milan’s forwards did well to break into space and punish Inter for advancing their fullbacks. Also Seedorf and Boateng were good about getting the ball to the forwards quickly
When I found Leo used 4-2-1-3 (with Pandev) against 4-4-2 (with energetic Boateng), I knew this would happen and I didn’t bother watched entire game. It almost looked like Leo handed the game to Milan.
That’s confidence in tactical outcomes alright!
Inter’s defense was all over the place. Leo didn’t have a plan to deal with Pato and didn’t make necessary adjustment to deal with Pato and Robinho’s run from deep and in the channels.
Both Inter’s CBs are prone to one on one situation against pacey and tricky forwards. But surprisingly, Cambiasso and Motta didn’t give extra protection for them. Maybe they are too busy thinking about Seedorf and Boateng.
Maicon was to blame for the first goal. He should’ve tracked back Robinho’s run.
I think last night proved what a masterstroke it was from Milan to sign Van Bommel in January. As much as I hate the guy, he was absolutely brilliant last night, he completely dominated that area of the pitch. Also on a related note, does anybody know what has happened to Cambiasso? He has looked off the pace in pretty much every game I have watched him play this season
I’m not sure, but think it has something to do with playing alongside Thiago Motta. both are superb players, but they both prefer the same position. when Motta was sent off against Barcelona, how imperious was Cambiasso? I may be wrong, but it just seems to me Cuchu prefers to play alongside someone who complements him rather than compete with him in terms of style, role, influence, duty, etc…
In the face of criticism of the players used, I dont think anyone’s mentioned that the personnel was very similar to that used by Mourinho in the CL final last year. 4 defenders, 2 holding players and Sneijder, Eto’o, Pandev, Milito/Pazzini. The problem was not inflexibility in that regard because Mourinho’s players played very differently from Leonardo’s.
The real point hasn’t quite been hit yet although the point about the midfield superiority comes closest. Milan were very COMPACT without the ball, Inter weren’t. Mourinho’s Inter’s outstanding feature was its compactness. No spaces were left for the opposition and even when out of possession they looked like a team in control. Everyone speaks of the Barcelona Semi Final and how compact Inter were then but it’s true of every game, it just stands out then because they made no attempt to attack.
When Inter had the ball you could count 7 or 8 Milan players in 1/4 of the pitch. When Milan had the ball – exacerbated by the way Pandev, Eto’o and Pazzini were deployed – Inter had that number in half the pitch. Milan were about twice as compact. This meant when Inter had the ball they had very little space and if they found some there were two players immediately on the player. The sight of Sneijder diving before taking out his frustration on the pitch in the first half is symptomatic of the difference between the two sides.
Conversely, when Milan had the ball they had a lot more time and space to pick a pass. They exploited this well, playing ball after ball behind the helpless defence. Inter’s lack of compactness also helped Milan keep the ball for long periods of the second half. When Inter did win the ball there was a big gap between defence and attack and so launching a counter attack was difficult.
Remaining compact is vital in the modern game. In fact it came out recently. I’m gonna find a quote….
Capello:
“Plan A is 9-1. This is the new football. The new system is to go forward with a lot of players and to defend with nine. You have to be compact. Barcelona and Arsenal do it. If you want to win back the ball, you have to defend with a lot of players and attack the same.”
Consider how compactness is the reason why “defending deep and narrow” is any good at all.
It’s interesting how different teams interpret compactness differently e.g. Barcelona and Mourinho’s Inter.
As a final note, it’s interesting that the way players move both individually and as a team are at least as important as the players selected, the type of player selected, and the formation used. Any comments to the effect that “this formation was bound to lose” is clearly false, as a comparison between Mourinho and Leonardo’s Inter shows.
Maybe the best comment i have ever read… Thank you…
Agree with Nikola, absolutely perfect comment. I hope Milan can repeat this level of intensity for the next 7 games!
Completely agree, but feel compelled to say that Milito is a completely different player to Pazzini
Not to completely discount Milan’s tactical advantages, but I thought Milan’s energy and work rate were the reasons they won yesterday. I can’t recall a match where Milan came out with the intensity they had for the opening 15 minutes of this game. I’ve never seen Robinho play like that. If Pirlo and Ambrosini were fit and Ibra not suspended I think things would have played out differently. Those three players wouldn’t have put in the same running and energy.
Gotta say, Leonardo got this very wrong. For me, Maicon was too conservative, he should have been quite a bit higher up on that side, taking advantage of Robinho’s lack of defensive movement and the age of Seedorf and Zambrotta. For me Inter should have been like this:
——-Ranoochia—–Chivu——–Zanetti
Maicon
Move into the back three. Then push Maicon up into a high almost right wing back position.
Also I hate Eto’o out wide. I know Pazzini is very good up front but I would have at least pushed Eto’o further up so that it was sort of a lobsided 2 up front so Eto’o is inbetween Nesta and Abate. For me Stankovic would have started in a central left position deealing with Gattuso and Abate if he came forward. Then move Motta to the middle stopping the runs of Boateng and Sneijder onto van Bommel slightly more.
Basically almost a slightly lobsided 3-5-2 formation.
Eto’o out wide is a bit of a dillema. He seemed really isolated yesterday, and during Benitez’s reign he again seemed isolated whenever he played on the left, but his best games under Leonardo have been when he played on the left of a 4-3-1-2.
I guess it’s more his role than his position, in a 4-2-3-1 his role is to break down the wing and cut inside at the edge of the box, but it gets easy to overwhelm him with defenders. In a 4-3-1-2, his role is to play off the centre-forward and playmaker, and quickly run into the box. He becomes much more direct, he goes to the most awkward positions for other teams to mark him, and he becomes more threatening.
I just think here he would have been very dangerous between Abate and Nesta. It means Abate would have had to concentrate and stick deeper and Eto’o’s movement and pace would have caused problems there.
Because of the four vs three in midfield I would have no Pandev in the team and instead, as ZM said, have Stankovic in so versatility in formation is there and also it would have been for vs four in midfield.
In a sense, I guess I’m agreeing with you. He’s at his best in a left-ish position, but not as an outright left-forward. He’s played his best games this season in a starting position where he did indeed hug the touchline, but his runs to the centre were very sharp (in a ZM diagram, the movement arrow would have been nearly horizontal).
The key to him doing this is, like I said before, the triangle with the trequartista and the centre-forward. Pazzini is on great goal scoring form right now, but Milito undoubtedly brings more out of Eto’o than does Pazzini. The main difference between Milito and Pazzini in that regard is where they go when Eto’o has the ball. Pazzini moves away from Eto’o to give him space; Milito moves toward Eto’o, giving him someone to play a 1-2 with and-perhaps more importantly-occupying the nearest centre-back to Eto’o.
As for Pandev, he really shouldn’t have played yesterday. I would have had Zanetti in midfield and Nagatomo at left-back.
Well, the Milan vs Inter game has already happened, but dont know the score. Pato early goal and chivu redcard good game!
Ia fully agree with Paul comment. By the way, about “brilliantly saved by Christian Abbiati” on Motta’s header, sorry but that was a goal not brilliantly saved.
And what do you have to back up your claim? The replays were inconclusive, and the best picture I’ve seen is this http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/full/269374953.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJF3XCCKACR3QDMOA&Expires=1301927707&Signature=HXVkCZMUcEwncY85rX3y1dl%2FmBQ%3D
The replays during the match were inconclusive but not the ones shown in Sky sport Italia on the post match analyses, which was not showed in the replays during the match.
I’ve also seen it in Contro Campo, a post matches sport programme in Italy and also in Domenica Sportiva on Rai2.
Also, my claim is backed by a referee who is invited in Controcampo, as well.
The footage they showed were from above the crossbar, and there you can clearly see that the ball was completely inside.
Now,that was not easy for the referee to see it.He was not even on the correct position to be able to see that, therefore according to the rules when you’re in doubt (if he was) you don’t gave it.
Furthermore, I’m not claiming that this episode changed the game completely, and Milan did not deserved the win.
I’m just saying that it shouldn’t be mentioned as a “brillant save”, because in relity it was not.
This game showed how good players now are at drawing fouls. Take the Chivu sending off, as an example. Pato ran across Chivu and drew contact with him and went down in a heap. There was contact and it was, technically, a correct decision, but in reality it was an obvious dive. Pato could have stayed on his feat there and tried to go around Cesar. Same thing with Cassano’s penalty. He felt a tug on the shoulder and went down like it was sniper fire. By the way, is there a dumber player in the world than Cassano. That sending off was so ridiculous. He celebrates the third goal, in a match decided a long time ago, like he just won the World Cup, and then with a minute of stoppage time left he commits a ridiculous foul on Cordoba for no reason.