Inter coach Simone Inzaghi looks to have found another important attacking weapon in the form of playing midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan as a second striker.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who note that the Armenian shone in the role as the Nerazzurri coach tested out a 3-5-1-1 formation in yesterday’s 4-0 friendly win over Red Bull Salzburg.
Mkhitaryan has almost exclusively played as a mezzala in Inter’s midfield trio this season, frequently finding himself in the starting eleven.
However, the return of Marcelo Brozovic from injury means that Hakan Calhanoglu can move back to his customary role on the left of the midfield trio, where Mkhitaryan had been playing.
This frees the 33-year-old former Roma midfielder up to play in more of an attacking role.
Particularly given the questions around the form and fitness of starting duo Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez, as well as the fact that Edin Dzeko is not likely to be able to start every game, having another option in attack could be key for Inzaghi.
The coach played the Armenian as a second striker or attacking midfielder behind his old Giallorossi teammate Dzeko against Salzburg.
Mkhitaryan was by far one of the standout players on the pitch, scoring Inter’s opening goal, and could be given a new role in attack over the remainder of the campaign.
