Former Inter defender Riccardo Ferri has advised Antonio Conte to consider switching to a back four before the end of the season.
The Nerazzurri have struggled to maintain clean sheets in Serie A this season with 23 goals conceded in 17 games so far, a far cry from last year’s defensive solidity.
Conte has never shown signs of wanting to move away from his trusted 3-5-2 system but Ferri suggested Inter may benefit from more tactical flexibility.
Asked if Inter would resolve their defensive problems by reverting to a back four, Ferri told TMW Radio: “Going back to a four-man defence would benefit both Milan Skriniar and Stefan de Vrij, but also Alessandro Bastoni.
“We’ve only seen Inter use a back four midway through games so far and an aggressive team could limit your full-backs by pressing aggressively, but it could be an option for the future.”
Inter have slid three points behind league leaders AC Milan after Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Roma.
Conte’s side have now conceded six goals in their three games since the start of 2021 and Ferri tried to analyse why.
“On an individual level Inter have nobody to envy, but if they don’t play at a high tempo they can get into trouble,” he remarked.
“It’s not a question of how high you hold your defensive line, it’s a matter of attitude.
“Inter’s defence has extraordinary players and has improved a lot.”
Ferri also touched on Sunday’s Derby d’Italia against Juventus at San Siro and was asked about the potentially decisive role Danilo and Achraf Hakimi could play in wide areas.
“The full-backs are key nowadays,” he explained.
“Inter have worked hard to bring in players who are good defensively but also in attack.
“It will be a high-speed battle between Danilo and Hakimi.
“These are positions that have become very important in modern football in terms of playing attacking football.”
Inter’s 1989 title-winning centre-back then spoke on the recent improvement that Milan Skriniar has made following a difficult few months in which he did not perform to the level that people had become accustomed to.
“I have always liked Skriniar, he has had problems since contracting Covid-19 but he is back to performing at excellent levels.”
In conclusion, the former Italian national team player was asked whether the absences Juventus will deal with or Inter’s frailties will be more decisive when it comes to how the match between the two great rivals will end.
“In this Derby d’Italia, the personality and attitude of the team will be worth a lot.
“Inter must not always go at 200 miles per hour, sometimes they have to slow down and they have to learn to manage things.
“Against Juve you cannot afford to lose control.
“Up front Inter always have the potential to hurt their opponents.”
