Gian Piero Gasperini's appointment to Inter has sparked a lot of headlines. Half of the headlines were about how he was Inter’s "fifth" choice, and the other half was about his 3-4-3 tactical approach. There is not much sense debating whether Gasperini was fifth, or fourth choice because that is done and dusted. The real topic at hand is how will Gasperini build his new Inter side.
Gasperini is well known in Italy for his attacking approach to football as well as his team ethics over individual skill approach. No one can take away the fantastic 2008/9 season he enjoyed in Genoa, as he brought Genoa on level points with Fiorentina in a Champions League qualification spot, only to be shunned by the head-to-head rule. That year players like Diego Milito and Thiago Motta were raised from the dead by Gasperini and eventually sold to Inter, ironically. His work was so impressive that even Sir Alex Ferguson inquired about getting Gasperini as his assistant, and maybe to eventually take over as his successor at Manchester United. The following season saw Genoa Preziosi make changes that Gasperini did not go hand in hand with, and as a result his spell at Genoa started to decline.
So how will Gasperini tactically approach his new Inter side? One can only assume a couple of scenarios right now, and considering Inter still have players to sign and sell, many factors can possibly change before the start of the new campaign. The following is an analysis of Gasperini's last 48 matches as Genoa coach, ranging from the start of the 2009/10 season to his last match in November 7, 2010.
3-4-3 Results
The blue shaded rows are the matches in which Gasperini utilised the 3-4-3 formation, his preferred one. This tactic was used 39 times in his last 48 matches. At home, Gasperini's recorded 7 home wins, 6 draws, and 6 defeats.
His side had an average possession of 53.1% and goal difference of +4 at home. Opposition sides had more successful dribbles per match (7.3 to 6.8), but Genoa had the edge in tackles per match (25 to 22). This does back up his team ethics over individual skill approach to a certain extent.
Avg. Possession: 53.1% Dribbles Won: 6.8 (Opposition 7.3)
Genoa Total Shots: 14.3(Opposition 11.3) Tackles/match: 25(Opposition 22)
His away record with the 3-4-3 formation was really one to forget. The results were dull as Genoa won only 4 times, drew 4, and lost 11 matches. Average possession was just slightly above the 50% barrier while his goal difference suffered a lot with -14. Genoa were inferior to their opponents in dribbling and shots, but just edged it in tacking.
Avg. Possession: 51.3% Dribbles Won: 6.1 (Opposition 7.3)
Genoa Total Shots: 9.8(Opposition 14.3) Tackles/match: 22.9(Opposition 21.6)
4-3-3 Results
The red shaded rows are the matches in which Gasperini utilised the 4-3-3 formation, his secondary tactic. Gasperini's record using the 4-3-3 formation was 5 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses. He also used this tactic for the home and away matches against both AC Milan and Catania. Both AC Milan and Catania used a similar 4-3-3 formation.
At home, Gasperini's 4-3-3 tactic gave him the best results. Genoa's goal difference with this tactic was +9. This tactic gave Genoa their highest ball possession average which was 56.7% and a very high successful tackles won ratio.
Avg. Possession: 56.7% Dribbles Won: 6.6 (Opposition 7.2)
Genoa Total Shots: 12(Opposition 12) Tackles/match: 26.8(Opposition 21.2)
When playing away, the 4-3-3 tactic was his weakest. His 4-3-3 away record produced his lowest ball possession average with 44.6% only. Genoa did indeed out dribble their opponents slightly, but opponents had almost twice as many shots per match against them!
Avg. Possession: 44.6% Dribbles Won: 4.8(Opposition 4.3)
Genoa Total Shots: 7.5(Opposition 14.8) Tackles/match: 25(Opposition 25)
Which Tactic Should Gasperini use for Inter?
Depending on which types of defenders are playing, both 3-4-3 and 4-3-3 could be used in transitions during every match. Barcelona plays 4-3-3 with four defenders, but when both full backs go into midfield; both centre backs go wide and the defensive midfielder drops back to essentially make a 3-4-3 formation. All very relevant for Genoa's tactical approach. Interestingly, 8/9 times that Gasperini used the 4-3-3 formation, it was after Genoa had lost their previous match. It is quite apparent that Gasperini knows his 3-4-3 approach is risky at times, and when results don't go as expect he reverts to a more "conservative" 4-3-3.
Considering these findings, the best way to start off his Inter journey is to use a 4-3-3 tactic that can accommodate players for his preferred 3-4-3 tactic. Since Gasperini is used to playing three at the back, this does not have to change with a 4-3-3 tactic. Here is a possible formation that Inter could use to get the best of both tactics.
Essentially this is Barcelona’s blueprint. Inter is used to playing 4-3-3, and most importantly, three in attack. The main factor that Inter have to adapt is team pressing and team support when in possession of the ball. The biggest change here is what I believe to be the most beneficial to Inter, and that is to put Sneijder back in a deeper midfield postion. Sneijder has not been a goal threat (except set pieces) lately, but is a master in floating killer passes and orchestrating Inter’s attacking play. So with Motta/Zanetti next to him as a bodyguard, Inter can then afford to have three forwards up front. It is also important to note that Inter desperately need a new right forward to complete this trident.
Another reason why this tactic could work is because Inter have an intelligent player in Cambiasso. The Argentine is a midfield general that can conduct his defenders and full back to be positioned right tactically, and his main duty is to make sure Inter’s defensive shape is organized.
Gasperini is well suited to make these changes happen. He is now in charge of one of the biggest clubs in Europe, so pressure and time are his biggest enemies. Gasperini has all the ingredients to be successful at Inter, this is his time, this is his chance…
