Simone Inzaghi

Inverting the central centre-back (CCB) under Rúben Amorim has become a major talking point for Manchester United. Many questions have been asked about why the Portuguese tactician takes this approach and its pros and cons. Our Rúben Amorim tactical analysis and back-five tactical theory article analyses Rúben Amorim tactics, comparing...

We began this series intending to dissect Manchester City's in-possession approach for 2025/2026. First, we explored the build-up, analysing the ideas of Pep Guardiola and his new assistant Pep Lijnders, particularly against man-marking high-pressing schemes, which is a common trend these days. Then, we examined their progression phase and the...

The Xabi Alonso era at Real Madrid did not get off to the best of starts, but there were some promising signs in their opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup against Al-Hilal.  Of course, we have to sit back and remember this is a Club World Cup,...

Dribbling has long been one of football’s most eye-catching actions—a burst of creativity capable of shifting momentum in an instant. This tactical analysis examines how dribbling serves as a strategic mechanism within various systems and styles of play, focusing on the roles of Rafael Leão at AC Milan, Jamal Musiala at Bayern Munich, Ousmane Dembélé at Paris Saint-Germain, and the...

Paris Saint-Germain have ended their wait for continental success—and in some style, too. Les Parisiens demolished Inter Milan 5-0 in the 2024/2025 UEFA Champions League Final, earning the record for the largest-ever margin of victory in the final of Europe’s elite footballing competition. For Luis Enrique, it’s an exceptional feather...

The 2024/2025 UEFA Champions League Final is a clash of contrasting philosophies. On one side, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), under Luis Enrique, have developed into an exciting, fluid attacking team, blending youthful dynamism with devastation. On the other hand, Simone Inzaghi’s Inter Milan epitomises defensive resilience, constantly changing shapes, and ruthlessness...

Listen to this article free on the Total Football Analysis podcast.  Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, or RSS. The world's eyes will be on the UEFA Champions League Final between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan on Saturday, May 31st. Both teams have come a long way and faced many challenges to reach the...

Inter Milan's run to the 2024/2025 UEFA Champions League final is likely to spark discussion around back-three formations. The hype around the back-three isn't new, but this season, many of the teams using it are showing that they deserve the spotlight, particularly in the way they defend and play out of possession. The...

The art of build-up under pressure is a fundamental aspect of modern football, especially for teams facing aggressive, high-pressing opponents. More than just a method to progress the ball, it represents a philosophy of play that transforms defensive risk into attacking opportunity. In this analysis, we’ll explore how top teams create structures, support...

In a European football landscape saturated with celebrated and highly rated centre-backs, exceptional defensive talents are scattered across the continent’s top five leagues. Among these, Alessandro Bastoni is seen as one of the finest exponents of the modern ball-playing centre-back. His ability to progress play from deep and positional intelligence...

Usually, the games in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals don't offer a lot of highlights or goals. This year, we got a tie that changed things up massively from start to finish. Inter Milan and Barcelona came to San Siro after an incredible 3-3 draw at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys...

The UEFA Champions League semi-finals are always a special time of year, as four teams fight for the chance to compete in the final, the most important game of European football. Two of the biggest names clashed on Montjuíc on Wednesday night in the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The home team, FC...

The stage was set at San Siro this Wednesday night for two of the biggest names in European football to compete for a spot in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. The home team, Inter Milan, was taking their 2-1 lead that they earned through a late goal at the Allianz...

Napoli hosted Inter Milan in what was a major battle in the title race. Inter succeeded in avoiding defeat at a very difficult stadium against one of the toughest teams this season, if not the toughest, as Napoli have been the favourites for the title since the start of the...

Juventus defeated Inter Milan 1-0 on Sunday in a crucial and decisive match in both teams' Serie A campaigns. This result saw Napoli take sole possession of the league's top spot with 56 points, two points ahead of Inter, while Juventus climbed to fourth place with 46 points. Inter Milan put...

The competition is intensifying in Serie A. Napoli top the table with 50 points after 21 matches, just three points ahead of Inter Milan, who have 47 points and played one less match. Atalanta and Lazio follow them, with 43 and 39 points in third and fourth place, respectively. Napoli...

Inter Milan are aiming to secure another Serie A title this season, facing tough competition from Atalanta and Napoli, who are right there with them in the title race. Known for their quick counterattacking, Inter Milan plans to leverage its strengths to reclaim the Serie A crown. This tactical analysis will examine...

For a number of years now, Alessandro Bastoni has been an established part of Inter Milan’s defensive unit and looks to remain a key player for the club for years to come. Bastoni has garnered attention in recent months for his consistently high-quality performances for Inter and is regarded by...

We have just been treated to a goal fest, one of the best editions of Derby d’Italia in recent times – a 4-4 draw between Juventus and Inter Milan. Prior to this fixture, Juve had not conceded a single goal from open play in Serie A this season – a...

Throughout the history of football tactics, certain coaches are synonymous with back-three systems. Helenio Herrera famously deployed a 5-3-2 system during the 1960s with great success at Inter, winning three Serie A titles and two European Cups during those glory years. Carlos Billardo was famed for using a 3-5-2 with...