In the first fixture of the Coppa Italia semi-finals, Inter welcomed Napoli in a tough physical game after the huge win in the Derby della Madonnina against Milan three days before this match. The home team were set as the favourites, but have struggled to perform in big games this seasons, and thus the visitors came out with a one-goal advantage for the rematch.
Gennaro Gattusos men did a great job in getting away as winners with their responsible out-of-possession tactics and with courage on the ball to neutralize the Nerazzurri’s high pressing. This tactical analysis will show you how the away team succeeded in closing down their opponent’s midfield while thriving under pressure and taking a huge win back to Naples.
Lineups
Antonio Conte set his side in their usual 3-5-2 formation with the back three made by Stefan de Vrij, Milan Škriniar and Alessandro Bastoni. Once again, Christian Eriksen needed to wait for his chance from the bench so this season’s most-used midfield trio of Nicolò Barella, Marcelo Brozović and Stefano Sensi held the centre of the camp. Up top, as expected, was the duo of Lautaro Martínez and Romelu Lukaku. Inter changed their formation to 4-3-3 after Alexis Sanchez came on as a substitute, but with no greater influence on the situation on the pitch.
The away team’s coach went into the game with the 4-1-4-1 tactics relying on Diego Demme, Fabián Ruiz and Piotr Zieliński as the main two-way catalyst for the side through the middle. Dries Mertens was the lone striker, while Elif Elmas and José Callejón played down the flanks and provided him with transformational support.
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