Inter Milan's Wing-Back Problem

Inter Milanunder Antonio Conte are renowned for their intricate automatisms during build-up which help them create space, bypass pressure and consolidate possession.

The central compactness provided by their shape allows for numerical superiorities to be easily achieved, thus providing more short passing options which in turn create space for the wingbacks, as Inter are often seamlessly able to evade pressure in their own 3rd centrally.

However, because their wing backs lack dynamism and creativity, they are unable to fully capitalise on their ability to create artificial counter-attacking conditions through playing out of defence. Thus, Inter's ability to play out of defence is limited by the wing backs as they struggle to capitalise upon the advantages achieved.