The reinstatement of Alessandro Bastoni after serving his suspension against Feyenoord creates a tactical puzzle for Chivu ahead of Sunday’s match against Como. The defender will be regularly available, but where he will play is still to be determined.
According to Il Giorno, the solidity shown in Rotterdam — where the only tense moments came from Martinez’s ventures outside the box — has made it difficult for the coach to make changes to a lineup that worked perfectly. Bastoni’s return further complicates the choices, making it hard to leave him out without upsetting the balance that has been found.
The newspaper outlines two possible scenarios. In the first, Bastoni replaces Akanji at the center of defense, opening up a competition between Bisseck and the Swiss player for the right-sided center-back spot. In the second, the defender takes his more natural position as the left-sided center-back, pushing the competition further up the field: in that case, the role of left wing-back would be contested by Carlos Augusto and Dimarco.
Whatever solution Chivu chooses, the defender’s return still represents an abundance to manage, in a department that last Sunday delivered one of the best performances of the season.
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