Inter’s Deep-Lying Midfield Dilemma: The Role of the Referee and Juve’s Dribbling Threats

The eagerly anticipated Derby d’Italia between Inter Milan and Juventus is set to captivate all of Italy, and the build-up to this clash has been full of strategic intrigue. One of the major talking points centers on Inter’s deep-lying midfield role, with manager Simone Inzaghi contemplating his options to replace the influential Hakan Çalhanoğlu, who will miss the match due to injury. Inzaghi’s decision could shape the tactical battle, with the biggest twist perhaps being the unpredictable influence of the referee and Juventus’ talented dribblers.

In his pre-match press conference, Inzaghi was tight-lipped about who would take Çalhanoğlu’s spot. "We all know what Hakan brings to the team; he is a world-class player," Inzaghi stated. "His natural replacement is Asllani. Unfortunately, he had a setback before our trip to Rome, but if he recovers well, he will start. He looked strong in training yesterday, but we will make an assessment. We also have Barella, who has performed well in that position over the past two games. As for Zielinski, he is in good shape too… Let's keep the suspense until tomorrow."

Inter’s fans have largely supported Inzaghi’s reticence. In recent seasons, the Nerazzurri have often been predictable in high-stakes matches, making it easier for opponents to tailor their strategies. The uncertainty surrounding Çalhanoğlu's absence could be a double-edged sword: a significant loss to Inter’s midfield creativity but also an opportunity to keep Juventus guessing.

Three Potential Solutions: Asllani, Barella, or Zielinski?

The question of who will play the deep-lying playmaker role has dominated the pre-match discussion. Two of Inter’s prominent beat reporters have given insights into the likely direction. According to Sky Italia, Asllani has shown excellent form and an eagerness to start, impressing Inzaghi during training sessions. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Inzaghi is weighing the options between starting Asllani or fielding Zielinski in the deep-lying role, with Barella expected to return to his familiar right-sided midfield position unless something unforeseen occurs.

Fans have questioned why Barella, who delivered strong performances as a deep-lying midfielder in victories over Roma and Young Boys, would not be given a third consecutive start in that role. One plausible explanation comes from sports commentator Altobelli, who highlighted key tactical considerations. Last season, Inter managed without Çalhanoğlu in six matches, winning five of them. In each of those games, Asllani started as the holding midfielder.

Those matches included a 1-0 victory over Fiorentina, a 4-0 thrashing of Lecce, a 4-0 rout of Atalanta, a 2-1 win over Genoa, a 1-0 defeat to Sassuolo, and a 5-0 demolition of Frosinone. In four of those victories, Asllani played alongside two of Inter’s core midfield stalwarts, which provided a solid foundation. However, when Asllani was paired with fellow rotation player Frattesi, the team experienced mixed results: one win and one loss. The defeat to Sassuolo came in a match where Inter had already secured the title and played with a lack of intensity, yet it underscored a common tactical theory—Inter’s midfield functions best when only one rotation player is included alongside two starters.

Veteran commentator Old Vic supports this view, emphasizing that a balanced midfield setup is crucial in a derby of this magnitude. Additionally, deploying Barella back in his right-sided role would bolster Inter’s defense against Juventus’ most dangerous dribblers, Yildiz and Andrea Cambiaso.

The Threat of Yildiz and Cambiaso: Why Barella’s Position Matters

Juventus manager Thiago Motta also teased tactical surprises in his pre-match statements. When asked if Yildiz would play in a more advanced role behind Vlahović, Motta smiled and replied, "Yes, we have many ways to score, and that is one of them. Why not? You’ll find out tomorrow."

Yildiz has emerged as Juventus’ most potent dribbling threat this season, attempting 25 take-ons and successfully completing 12. This ranks him ninth overall in Serie A, and he leads Juventus' internal dribbling statistics by a wide margin. The only other significant dribbling contributors for the Bianconeri are Douglas Luiz, with nine successful take-ons (22nd in Serie A), and Cambiaso, with eight (26th in Serie A).

Inter, on the other hand, does not have any players ranked in the top 75 for successful dribbles this season, highlighting a stylistic contrast between the two sides. With Juventus' dribbling threats primarily concentrated on the left flank, which aligns with Inter's right side, Inzaghi’s decision to deploy Barella as a right-sided midfielder makes defensive sense. It positions Barella to help neutralize Yildiz and Cambiaso, who will aim to exploit any gaps in Inter’s defense.

In a derby where margins are razor-thin, prioritizing defensive solidity could be crucial. A more defensive setup is further justified by the appointment of referee Marco Guida, known for his strict officiating. Guida has refereed three Serie A matches this season, issuing 10 yellow cards and two red cards. His tendency to protect attacking players and whistle frequently could benefit Juventus’ dribblers, making disciplined defending all the more important.

Guida’s Refereeing Style: A Potential Game-Changer

Guida’s presence adds another layer of complexity to Inzaghi’s tactical puzzle. His penchant for penalizing defenders heavily could favor Juventus, especially given their reliance on dribbling and quick transitions. Inter must be cautious in one-on-one situations and avoid reckless challenges that could leave them vulnerable to set pieces or dismissals.

This aspect could make the case for selecting Asllani even more compelling. Asllani’s positioning and anticipation might offer a more cautious approach, reducing the risk of fouls in dangerous areas. Meanwhile, Barella’s energy and work rate on the right side could help double up on Juventus’ wide threats, with Zielinski providing balance and link-up play if he gets the nod.

Inzaghi’s Tactical Balancing Act

While Inzaghi has several tactical routes he could take, the choice may ultimately come down to a blend of defending well and maintaining offensive pressure. With Juventus likely to deploy a high-paced, direct style, Inter will need to manage transitions and remain organized. Asllani’s natural instincts as a holding midfielder may offer defensive coverage, while Barella’s presence out wide can ensure Juventus’ wingers don’t run rampant.

However, if Inzaghi opts for Zielinski, it suggests a more possession-oriented approach, aiming to control the tempo and limit Juventus’ counterattacks. It’s a high-risk, high-reward strategy that could pay dividends if Inter dominates the ball but might leave them exposed if possession is turned over carelessly.

Fans and pundits alike are eager to see how Inzaghi sets up his team for this season-defining clash. Whether he goes with Asllani, trusts in Barella’s versatility, or experiments with Zielinski, the outcome will reveal whether Inter can adapt and thrive under pressure. In a match where every detail matters, Inzaghi’s decision could be the difference between victory and defeat.