Inter Milan's Defensive Crisis: Three Solutions and the Potential Emergence of a New Wing-back

Inter Milan has officially announced that Stefan de Vrij has suffered an adductor muscle injury in his left thigh, while Denzel Dumfries has sustained a flexor muscle injury in his left thigh. Both players are expected to be sidelined for approximately 15-20 days. This means they will miss several critical matches against Udinese, Real Sociedad, Lazio, and Bologna. The timing of these injuries couldn't be worse for Inter Milan, as the team faces a congested fixture list with frequent midweek matches in the coming weeks.

With Benjamin Pavard still two weeks away from returning from his own injury and Alessandro Bastoni just coming back, albeit with uncertain fitness, coach Simone Inzaghi must find solutions to manage the squad during this challenging period. Despite these difficulties, the crisis also presents an opportunity for Inzaghi to showcase his tactical ingenuity and bolster team confidence if Inter can still achieve positive results.

Three Proposed Solutions

1. The Ideal Scenario: Bastoni Fully Fit

If Alessandro Bastoni returns fully fit, the defensive line could be composed of Bastoni, Francesco Acerbi, and Matteo Darmian. This lineup maintains a strong defensive structure with experienced players. However, considering Bastoni's recent return from injury, his fitness will need to be carefully managed to prevent further issues.

2. Rotation and Rest: Accommodating Bastoni’s Recovery

Given the busy schedule, it may not be wise to overburden Bastoni immediately. In such cases, a rotation involving Carlos Augusto, Acerbi, and Darmian could be deployed. Augusto, initially brought in as a wing-back, has shown versatility and reliability when filling in as a center-back. This arrangement allows Bastoni to be rested as needed without compromising the team's defensive stability.

3. Alternative Lineups: Utilizing Youth and Depth

In some matches, especially those deemed less critical, Inter might opt for a backline of Augusto, Acerbi, and Yann Bisseck. Additionally, youth players like Stabile could be given opportunities to step up and provide cover. While these youngsters are not expected to match the prowess of top-tier forwards, their involvement can give senior players much-needed rest and reduce the risk of further injuries.

Carlos Augusto: A Defensive Revelation

Carlos Augusto’s versatility has been a significant asset for Inter Milan this season. Initially seen as a backup wing-back, Augusto has effectively filled in as a center-back when needed. His background in Brazilian football, where he played as a center-back, has prepared him well for this role. Despite his reputation for defensive solidity rather than offensive prowess, Augusto has proven his worth in Italy, showcasing not only defensive reliability but also contributing to the attack when required.

Simone Inzaghi’s decision to use Augusto as a center-back during the match against Napoli was a tactical success, demonstrating his ability to adapt and thrive under pressure. This adaptability has given Inter Milan more confidence in managing their defensive crisis, knowing they have a dependable option in Augusto.

The Bigger Challenge: Replacing Dumfries

While the defensive adjustments are crucial, the more significant challenge lies in finding a suitable replacement for Denzel Dumfries. Dumfries’ absence for the next 2-3 weeks leaves a void at right wing-back, a position where Inter lacks depth. Juan Cuadrado, recently recovered from an inflammation issue, is an option, but his fitness and ability to handle the demands of multiple games per week remain uncertain. Matteo Darmian could also fill in, but his involvement in the backline limits this possibility.

Potential Solutions for Right Wing-Back

1. Cuadrado’s Limited Availability

Cuadrado, even when fully fit, may struggle to handle the intensity of five games in two weeks due to his age. While he can provide temporary cover, relying on him for consecutive matches could be risky.

2. Darmian’s Versatility

Darmian’s ability to play multiple positions is an advantage, but with the current defensive injuries, his presence in the backline might be more critical. This limits his availability to cover for Dumfries at right wing-back.

3. Experimentation with Davide Frattesi

A more unconventional solution could involve using Davide Frattesi as a right wing-back. Frattesi has some experience playing as a wing-back during his youth and had brief stints in this role at Sassuolo. While not his primary position, Frattesi’s adaptability and understanding of the game could make him a viable temporary solution. His involvement would provide a breather for the regular defenders and ensure tactical flexibility.

The Importance of Versatility and Tactical Ingenuity

Inter Milan’s current crisis underscores the importance of versatility within the squad. Players like Carlos Augusto and Matteo Darmian, who can perform in multiple roles, become invaluable in such situations. Simone Inzaghi’s ability to think creatively and adapt his tactics will be crucial in navigating this challenging period.

Inzaghi has already shown a willingness to innovate by successfully deploying Augusto as a center-back. Extending this approach to other areas of the pitch, such as using Frattesi as a wing-back, could provide the necessary solutions to maintain team performance despite the injuries.

Conclusion

Inter Milan faces a significant test with the simultaneous injuries to key defenders Stefan de Vrij and Denzel Dumfries. The upcoming fixtures are crucial, and the congested schedule adds to the complexity of managing the squad. However, this situation also presents an opportunity for Simone Inzaghi to demonstrate his tactical acumen and for other players to step up.

By carefully managing Bastoni’s return, utilizing the versatility of Carlos Augusto, and potentially experimenting with Davide Frattesi in an unfamiliar role, Inter can mitigate the impact of these injuries. The team's ability to adapt and perform under pressure will not only help navigate the current crisis but also build resilience and confidence for the remainder of the season.