Hellas Verona were “alive for six minutes” in yesterday’s Serie A clash with Inter Milan before a complete first half collapse.
This is the view in today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Verona coach Paolo Zanetti did not go with an ultra-defensive approach in yesterday’s Serie A match at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi.
Far from it, the Gialloblu coach decided to go with a fairly risky strategy.
Verona switched from a 4-2-3-1 system to a 3-5-2 shape. This was to mirror Inter’s own 3-5-2 formation and give the home side the ability to really push up and put the Nerazzurri under pressure.
Verona were aggressive in closing down Inter’s defenders and midfielders. Even close to the Nerazzurri penalty area.
Hellas Verona “Alive For Six Minutes” Before Collapse Vs Inter Milan
Verona’s approach did get some promising results for them in the early exchanges.
The Gialloblu disrupted Inter’s rhythm. This meant that the Nerazzurri could not really control the match in possession.
Verona were able to put Inter’s back three and midfielder Kristjan Asllani in some difficult situations in possession by cutting off passing lanes in the buildup phase.
Moreover, Verona created a few promising situations very early on.
Above all, there was the long ball over the top to Gialloblu wingback Jackson Tchatchoua.
Tchatchoua got in behind Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni, and played the ball to striker Casper Tengetedt. Tengstedt hit the crossbar with his effort.
Perhaps Verona will be thinking that had that shot gone in, it would have set the tone for a very different match.
But after Inter survived those early scare, they exposed the downside of Verona’s proactive approach.
Gialloblu coach Zanetti set his team up to play with a very high defensive line.
This left a lot of space for Inter forwards Joaquin Correa and Marcus Thuram to operate in.
Inter were ruthless in taking advantage of that space. They scored five goals as Verona had absolutely no answer.