Cagliari coach Claudio Ranieri is likely to use a strikerless “false nine” system in a 3-4-3 shape against Inter Milan tomorrow.
This according to today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who report that the Rossoblu will start with Nerazzurri-owned forward Gaetano Oristanio leading the line rather than an out-and-out Number Nine.
In Cagliari’s first match of the season back in Serie A against Torino, the Sardinians played without true centre-forward.
Rather, it was Oristanio who played in the centre of the front three. Flanking him were winger Zito Luvumba and versatile midfielder Nahitan Nandez who flanked the 20-year-old.
According to the Corriere, it will be the same system at the Sardegna Arena tomorrow.
The Rossoblu will play with a back three, wingbacks, and then a front three spearheaded by Oristanio.
Cagliari Coach Claudio Ranieri To Start Gateano Oristanio As False Nine Vs Inter
Oristanio joined Cagliari from Inter during the transfer window.
The Italian youth team international is playing in Serie A for the first time after two seasons on loan with Volendam in the Netherlands.
Having helped the Dutch team to the Eredivisie in his first season there, he also helped them stay in the top flight last season.
Orsitanio’s position is essentially that of an attacking midfielder.
The 20-year-old played in his usual role in the Rossoblu’s opener against Torino.
Even though Oristanio nominally began the match as a striker, he frequently dropped deeper. The Inter-owned midfielder looked to get on the ball frequently, and unlock the match with dribbling and passing rather than using strength or size as a more traditional striker would.
Meanwhile, the Corriere reports, veteran striker Leonardo Pavoletti will begin tomorrow’s match on the bench.
And former AC Milan striker Gianluca Lapadula will be out through injury to face Inter.