Report – Inter Milan Coach Chivu Could Switch To 4-3-2-1 Shape With Signing Of Ex Man City Star

What seems clear is that Chivu wants an attacking midfielder to play behind the strikers.

That is a role that the coach envisions for Davide Frattesi.

And this is why Chivu has been orienting towards a 3-4-2-1 shape.

However, an alternative would be to play with a midfield trio, and also have Frattesi on the pitch as an attacking midfielder.

This would look something like a 4-3-1-2 shape, or Carlo Ancelotti’s famous 4-3-2-1 “Christmas tree” formation.

The problem is that Inter’s defenders have always suited a back-three defense best. Therefore, changing to a back-four would be tricky.

However, Tuttosport suggest, the arrival of Manuel Akanji from Manchester City could change that.

Akanji is a player very familiar with playing in a centre-back pairing.

Furthermore, the player who Akanji replaces, Benjamin Pavard, has been a real back three specialist.

Therefore, Tuttosport argue, Akanji could allow Chivu to use a back four with Akanji and Bastoni as the two centre-backs.