Roma will use a 5-3-2 defensive shape in order to try and restrict Inter Milan in this evening’s Serie A match.
Today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, report that Giallorossi coach Daniele De Rossi is planning to use Stephane El Shaarawy as a defensive wingback out of possession.
Legendary former Italy midfielder De Rossi has gotten off to a good start as Roma coach.
The 40-year-old club icon has guided the Giallorossi to feel-good wins against Salernitana and Cagliari in his first two matches since taking charge following the sacking of Jose Mourinho.
But those matches came against teams in the relegation scrap.
This evening’s encounter with an Inter team who have been the outstanding side in Serie A so far will be the first real test.
And according to the Corriere, De Rossi has a particular plan for the Nerazzurri.
Roma To Play 5-3-2 Shape Out Of Possession Vs Inter
According to the Corriere, De Rossi’s priority is to make sure there are plenty of numbers back out of possession.
Facing Inter means coming up against a team who can attack with a number of players and from a number of angles.
Apart from two out-and-out strikers, there are the wingbacks and attacking midfielders with plenty of license to get forward.
Then, even the wide players in the back three can join in the attack.
So De Rossi wants five designated defenders when his team are in their shape out of possession.
That means that there will be the same back four as against Cagliari last weekend. Rick Karsdorp, Gianluca Mancini, Diego Llorente, and January arrival Angelino.
But it also means that veteran Italy international El Sharaawy will join in as a defender.
The 31-year-old has frequently played as a wingback in recent seasons. So he will certainly know how to track back and allow Angelino to play more centrally in the defensive line.
That will, De Rossi hopes, prevent Inter from gaining too much space on the flanks.
