There are eight days left until the derby between Inter-Milan, but the atmosphere of a big match is already starting to be felt among the Nerazzurri fans. A match that Cristian Chivu will begin to prepare with his players at Appiano Gentile only starting next Tuesday, having granted three full days of rest to all Inter players not involved in international duties.
Yet, in the coach’s mind, the first moves to be made for the derby on Sunday, November 23, are already starting to circulate. One of Chivu’s main concerns for the big match is related to the position of Rafael Leao, who has become even more of a center forward with Massimiliano Allegri on the bench. The Portuguese has often put Inter in difficulty, especially with his speed in open play.
From here, reflections arise on the choice of the defensive trio that will have to face Milan: if Akanji and Bastoni are undisputed as the two outside defenders, there remains a big question mark over who will be deployed as the central defender. Corriere dello Sport, in this regard, has addressed the topic by evaluating the pros and cons of the three candidates for the role.
The first is Acerbi, certainly the most experienced of the three. The former Lazio player would have difficulty keeping up with Leao in a sprint, but with the constant help of the two outside defenders, he could undoubtedly limit the Portuguese’s work in the offensive phase. Having fallen a bit off the radar recently, de Vrij could also suffer from the same speed issues as his teammate, although compared to Acerbi, as a central defender, he is less tied to a single point of reference.
The third candidate, who has become very credible thanks to his performances over the past month, is Yann Bisseck. Chivu is working hard on adapting the German as the central defender in the back three, so as to take advantage of his greater speed compared to his teammates. In the middle, he has actually seemed more focused and responsible, but some distractions from the past cannot leave everyone completely at ease.
Without a doubt, this will be the most complicated choice that Chivu is called to make for the derby between Inter-Milan. Three defenders with different characteristics for a match that can set the tone for the season and in which mistakes are not allowed. After defeats against Juventus and Napoli, the Nerazzurri are obliged to win the direct clash with the Rossoneri and send yet another signal of strength to the entire league.
