Inter vs Como | Tactical Analysis | Serie A 2024/25

Inter need a win to stay in the Serie A title race against Napoli and Atalanta, while Como, under the management of Cesc Fabregas, aim to secure crucial points to solidify their mid-table position. Both teams face key absences, with Inter missing core players like Stefan de Vrij and Piotr Zielinski who are on the bench, and Como without Alberto Moreno who is injured. This clash presents contrasting objectives and interesting tactical battles.

Lineups and Formations

Inter XI (3-4-1-2):

• Goalkeeper: Yann Sommer
• Defense: Bastoni, Bisseck, Carlos Augusto
• Midfield: Dumfries, Barella, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco
• Attacking Midfield: Çalhanoğlu
• Strikers: Thuram, Martínez

Como XI (4-2-3-1):

• Goalkeeper: Pepe Reina
• Defense: Sergi Roberto, Kempf, Goldaniga, Van der Brempt
• Midfield Pivot: De Cunha, Dossena
• Attacking Midfielders: Fadera, Nico Paz, Strefezza
• Striker: Andrea Belotti

First Half Analysis: Inter vs Como

Inter’s Possession Dominance

Inter Milan controlled possession in the first half, holding 67% of the ball, as expected from Inzaghi’s style. Their build-up play focused on fluid movement, with Bisseck, Bastoni, and Augusto forming a back three, while Dumfries and Dimarco pushed high to stretch Como’s defense. Despite this control, Como’s disciplined 5-4-1 defensive setup made it difficult for Inter to break into the final third. If you want more knowledge on football formations, consider reading our blog about the 4-3-3 explained.

Como’s Defensive Discipline

Como, under Fabregas, set up to defend compactly, especially when Inter had the ball. They frequently dropped into a 5-4-1 shape, limiting Inter’s space in central areas and preventing overloads. This forced Inter to switch positions constantly, with players like Barella, Mkhitaryan, and Dumfries rotating to drag Como out of their shape. The visitors, despite being under pressure, managed to keep Inter from getting into clear goal-scoring positions.

Moments of Danger for Inter

Inter’s biggest threat came from the flanks, with Dimarco and Dumfries often overlapping. One key moment came in the 33rd minute, when Dumfries shot over the goal after a combination with Mkhitaryan. The best chance came in the 42nd minute, when Dimarco’s shot from a pass by Augusto was saved by Reina. Despite their attacking intent, Inter struggled to convert possession into high-quality chances, with their xG at 0.61 compared to Como’s 0.08.

Como’s Counter-Attacks and Quick Transitions

While Como focused on defending, they looked dangerous on the break, especially through Fadera. One such counter came in the 31st minute when Fadera made a powerful run from left-back, cutting inside to shoot, but Sommer saved comfortably. Como’s ability to quickly transition and stretch Inter’s defense was a positive sign, though they were limited in creating clear chances.

Midfield Battle

The Inter vs Como midfield battle was crucial, with Inter’s midfielders, particularly Barella and Mkhitaryan, trying to unlock Como’s defense. However, Como’s Sergi Roberto and Da Cunha worked tirelessly to prevent Inter from finding space, often dropping deeper to disrupt the flow of play. Their vision and quick transitions helped Como retain some control when they had the ball.

Second Half Analysis: Inter vs Como

The second half saw Inter Milan take control and assert their dominance over Como, with their tactical flexibility and clinical edge ultimately securing a 2-0 victory. Inter began the half with a sense of urgency, knowing that breaking Como’s resilient defense early could set the tone for the remainder of the match.

Inter’s Early Breakthrough

It didn’t take long for Inter to find the back of the net. In the 48th minute, Hakan Çalhanoğlu delivered a precise corner into the box, where Carlos Augusto, rising high above the defense, headed the ball past Reina. This goal set the tone for the remainder of the game, as Como was forced to come out of their defensive structure to chase an equalizer.

Como’s Shift to Higher Pressure

With the deficit, Como had no choice but to press higher up the pitch, attempting to force Inter into mistakes. However, this shift left them vulnerable at the back, as Inter exploited the spaces left behind. The midfield’s ability to rotate positions seamlessly, especially the efforts of Barella and Bisseck, gave Inter an extra man in attack almost at all times. As Inter circulated the ball quickly, Thuram and Martínez remained constant threats, pulling Como’s defense apart with their intelligent runs and positioning, dropping deeper into the midfield or a run behind Como’s defense.

Inter’s Control and Como’s Struggles

As the game progressed, Inter comfortably regained control of the match. The combination, now with Piotr Zielinski and De Vrij in place of Barella and Bisseck, ensured the tempo was maintained and that the ball flowed smoothly from defense to attack. The fluidity of Inter’s movement created overloads in the wide areas, particularly down the right flank with Dumfries, who was given the freedom to push forward. Meanwhile, Thuram’s positioning was key, as he dropped into midfield, which allowed Dumfries to exploit the space out wide, and in his turn, create more opportunities.

Meanwhile, Como, now having to gamble more in attack, had little success in breaking down Inter’s defense. Their transition game lacked precision, and they struggled to deal with Inter’s defensive solidity. As the match wore on, Sergi Roberto’s absence became more noticeable. Without his leadership and experience, Como seemed disorganized, lacking the structure they had displayed in the first half. The absence of a composed midfielder to help with pressing, defensive structure and quick transitions left them exposed.

Thuram’s Seal

In the dying minutes, Inter’s confidence grew even further, with Thuram delivering the final blow in the 92nd minute. After coming in the box slightly from the right he unleashed a powerful shot at the near post. The strike was clinical and unsavable for Reina. It sealed the win for Inter Milan. Though Thuram received a yellow card for his goal celebration, the strike was a reflection of Inter’s attacking superiority and their ability to capitalize on the spaces left open by Como’s desperate efforts to get back into the match.

Conclusion: Inter vs Como

Overall, Inter Milan’s second-half performance was a perfect example of tactical precision and clinical finishing. While Como started the half trying to press and create chances, they were ultimately undone by Inter’s fluid positional play and the tireless work from their players. With the win, Inter demonstrated why they are one of the top contenders in Serie A, maintaining control and capitalizing on Como’s mistakes. As for Como, they’ll need to regroup and ensure they maintain their defensive structure when facing teams of Inter’s caliber.

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