Inter Milan have a clear plan to stop Man City striker Erling Haaland as a team rather than just one-on-one.

This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who detail the Nerazzurri’s intended approach to keep the Norwegian quiet in the Champions League final on Saturday.

There’s no doubt that Haaland will be a massive challenge for Inter.

The 22-year-old has enjoyed a record-breaking first season in the Premier League. His goals have been crucial to City winning the English top flight as well as reaching the Champions League final.

However, City have also been an incredibly formidable side long before Haaland arrived.

Even without the former Borussia Dortmund and Red Bull Salzburg striker, they’ve hardly lacked for goals.

The fact that City thrashed Real Madrid 4-0 in the semifinal second leg without Haaland getting on the scoresheet makes this apparent.

Therefore, Inter will know that doing a good job of marking Haaland won’t be enough on Saturday. In Istanbul, the Nerazzurri must both stop Europe’s most lethal individual striker, and also perhaps its most well-oiled team.

Inter To Defender Man City Star Haaland As A Team

Whilst defender Francesco Acerbi will be at the heart of Inter’s defense, he won’t be marking Haaland alone.

Rather, Inter’s approach will be to provide the 35-year-old with ample support to make sure that the City striker cannot be too active in the penalty area.

In the back three, this will mean strong defensive coordination.

Inter will try to ensure that there’s always one player directly engaging Haaland, and one covering the space. That way, even if the 22-year-old gets free from his marker, he can’t run into space.

Then, it will be up to the rest of the team to deny Haaland service.

Inter’s midfielders will have to do a very diligent job against their City opposite numbers.

Kevin De Bruyne in particular can deliver very dangerous passes and crosses to Haaland. Inter’s midfielders will work hard to stop the Belgian.

And on the wings, the Inter wingbacks will be key. They will aim to stop City wingers Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva.