Inter Milan is grappling with significant injury crises just days before their Champions League clash against Feyenoord, set for March 5, 2025. The team has been hit hard, particularly on the back line, where head coach Simone Inzaghi now has limited options due to several injuries.
The latest blow came when Federico Dimarco sustained a muscle injury during the match against Napoli on March 1. Subsequent medical examinations confirmed his absence for at least three weeks, making him unavailable for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. With other defenders Nicola Zalewski, Matteo Darmian, and Carlos Augusto already sidelined, the club finds itself at a tactical crossroads.
According to Gazzetta, Dimarco’s injury leaves only one natural fullback available, right-back Denzel Dumfries, who had to play on the left side against Napoli out of necessity. "Dimarco has suffered a muscle injury and will be out for at least three weeks," reported Gazzetta. The pressure is piling up on the Inter coach to come up with novel strategies before the high-stakes match.
Historical changes are on the horizon as this crisis may prompt the team to adopt a defensive formation they haven’t utilized since April 2017. Heavy reliance on makeshift players like Benjamin Pavard and youth talent may be necessary. Reports indicate the possibility of deploying Pavard as part of the back line as Dumfries fills the opposing wing. This shift could lead to playing with four defenders, effectively changing the team's approach to one they haven’t used for almost eight years.
With previous formations like the favored 3-5-2 narrowly available, switching to four at the back seems almost obligatory, as highlighted by Sky Sport Italia. "It is almost obligatory to switch to four at the back," said the outlet. This adjustment might see Alessandro Bastoni take over the left-back position, leading to Dumfries and Pavard covering the flanks.
Adding to the tactical challenge, Inter may need to forgo experienced midfield pairings such as Nicolò Barella and Henrikh Mkhitaryan for less conventional roles. They may find themselves playing as improvised wingers to cover the gaps left by Dimarco. The probabilities of squeezing players like Mkhitaryan or even trying young prospects like Matteo Cocchi raises eyebrows, though it remains unclear how this would manifest against strong opposition.
To compound the issue, there’s also speculation about whether young players will see the pitch during this match; “We will likely see some young players involved, which is unusual for such an important match,” quoted Simone Gazzetta. Cocchi, who is well-versed with the Primavera team, is recording noteworthy performances this season, netting four goals with four assists, and may be one of the fresh faces on the bench or even starting.
The last-minute adaptation to bring Cocchi, who has yet to debut at the senior level, could resourcefully provide the coaching staff with additional versatility. Never before has such depth of youth been tapped for such significant matches, and with Inter’s injury woes, it seems imprudent not to explore all resources available. Recent matches have forced tactical shifts, delving deep down the squad's roster.
This injury crisis starkly contrasts Inter Milan's ambitions heading to the knockout stages of the Champions League, making the team's cohesion and depth even more vulnerable. Supporters are left hoping their team can weather the storm and emerge successfully against Feyenoord, all the more challenging with the absence of key players.
Under the current circumstances, what will lie at the heart of this tactical reshuffle? Each striker's shift creatively moved around the pitch and the tactical bravery of Simone instructing his squad could determine the course of the match. The absence of seasoned players may drive Inter to adapt quickly, shaping their strategic layout on the field.
With the leadership of coach Simone as the helm of the reshuffled squad, he faces the tough task of loosening the creative potential of players designated for both attack and defense with only four days until the Champions League opener. Can Inter Milan’s depth hold up against the scrutiny of playing with new formations? Only time—and their battle against Feyenoord—will tell.