Inter Milan will hope to emulate the approach that was successful for Spurs and Brentford against Man City in the Champions League final.
This is highlighted in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Stopping this Manchester City side is certainly not easy.
They’ve shown that on their way to the Premier League title, the FA Cup, and a Champions League final.
However, it can be done.
The Cityzens have lost a total of five matches in the Premier League this season – and among these were defeats to four different teams.
Inter Aiming To Follow Spurs & Brentford Blueprint Vs Man City
Two of these teams in particular are of interest to the Gazzetta.
The first is Tottenham Hotspur. The London-based team won one and lost one against Pep Guardiola’s City juggernaut in the league.
Spurs were coached by former Inter boss Antonio Conte in both of those matches.
Like the Nerazzurri under Conte’s successor Simone Inzaghi, Tottenham had been playing with a 3-5-2 against City.
In their first encounter with the Cityzens, Tottenham actually took a two-goal lead into the break. However, the City onslaught in the second half proved to be too much as they crumbled and allowed City to turn it around.
However, Spurs cam more prepared in the second meeting between the two teams.
In that instance, Tottenham kept their disciplined approach for the entirety of the match. They were rewarded with a well-earned three points.
As the Gazzetta notes, this came about because Spurs didn’t just sit deep and hope that they could hit a few lucky counterattacks.
The Lilywhites did certainly keep a deep and compact defensive shape. The wingbacks were virtually part of the backline, and the midfield closely protected the back three.
This is how Inter will likely play against City on Saturday.
However, in that match Spurs also picked their spots to be aggressive in attack. They used striker Harry Kane well and looked like they had a clear plan when they won the ball.
The same is true of Brentford.
The Bees did one better than Tottenham by actually beating Man City both home and away.
Brentford, like Spurs, play a 3-5-2 shape, something that can give hope to Inter.
In their case, striker Ivan Toney was certainly a vital player in their first win against the Cityzens.
Brentford showed that a disciplined 3-5-2 shape can be effective at denying City fluidity in possession in the final third. Then, when they won the ball back, the Bees were able to cause City problems at the other end.
