The defensive record of Inter Milan remains one of contrasts and German defender Yann Bisseck appears at the heart of Chivu’s plans for the future.
Eleven goals conceded in just nine Serie A games feels excessive for a title contender, yet the pattern tells a different story.
Nine of those arrived in only three matches, against Udinese, Juventus and Napoli.
Across the other six league fixtures, the Nerazzurri have recorded four clean sheets, conceding only to Sassuolo and Cremonese.
Adding the Champions League, where Chivu’s side are yet to concede, that total rises to seven clean sheets in twelve games.
Indeed, it is an inconsistency that Corriere dello Sport describes as “difficult to explain.”
The issue, the paper notes, is not purely defensive.
Bisseck Role Improves Defensive Concerns For Chivu At Inter Milan
Chivu’s desire for a higher defensive line requires compactness, positional discipline and well-timed preventive marking – something that faltered in Naples.
The backline’s lack of outright pace makes this structure demanding, however, it also defines Chivu’s tactical evolution.
In that context, Yann Bisseck’s repositioning in the centre of the back three, between Akanji and Bastoni, has been key.
The German’s speed and awareness help Inter recover space when pressing high. “It’s not the first time he’s played there,” the report adds.
“He did so against Union Saint-Gilloise and under Inzaghi too. The results were encouraging, aside from minor errors.”
The adjustment could prove decisive – both for Bisseck’s development and for the long-term balance of Chivu’s modernised Inter defence.