Classic Conte: The tactical masterclass that saw Inter past Pirlo – tactical analysis

The highly anticipated Derby d’Italia between Inter and Juventus turned into a masterclass of speed, counter-attacking football and defensive organisation by Antonio Conte’s side. The Italian stayed away from overcomplicating Inter’s tactics and outwitted Pirlo by letting them do what they do best.

While, for the most part, they stuck to their usual playing style, the Nerazzurri did enhance their approach by using the opposition’s mistakes very smartly and letting go of the control occasionally.

Their well-balanced performance led to the 2-0 win, while Juventus’ creative struggles deepened. The Bianconeri were overcommitted to their attacking actions which resulted in neglecting their defensive responsibilities on a few occasions. Enough for Arturo Vidal and Nicolò Barella to take advantage of it.

This game showed how having experience and playing well together as a team could be the winning strategy against teams with strong individualities. The connection that Inter’s players have built with each other was the key component in their victory.

That outcome made the Serie A title challenge even more interesting with Inter keeping their close distance to the city-rivals Milan while increasing Juventus’ gap with the leaders to 10 points.

This tactical analysis examines how Conte’s side outwitted the Old Lady and what in both teams’ tactics led to the final result.

Line-ups and formations

Conte relied on his usual 3-5-2 set-up with Samir Handanović on the goal, supported by an experienced three-man defensive line of Alessandro Bastoni, Stefan de Vrij and Milan Škriniar who were all outstanding that night. Although Škriniar had some difficulties in blocking Juves actions on the left due to their switch of play efforts, he contributed well to the teams efforts to keep a clean sheet.

In midfield, Arturo Vidal and Marcelo Brozović were responsible for covering the central areas, while Nicolò Barella would often joint the right wing-back Achraf Hakimi on the right, where they found a weak spot in Juventus’ defence. Ashley Young played on the left wing-back position.

Barella didn’t onl