The Croatian coach is determined to break one of his most profound jinxes: here’s how

There are only two days left until the first major showdown of the season for Roma, with the golden-red team set up to face Inter at the Olympic Stadium. A match of tremendous specific significance for both teams as they need the three points to distance themselves from the mire they find themselves in at the start of this season. A pragmatic school, one that does not pay much attention to form, but mainly concentrates on the reference to man. Just like Juric, Gasperini – ever since he took the helm of the Bergamaschi – has never won against Simone Inzaghi in 8 matches, and this can’t simply be a coincidence. Yes, but what is the issue then? The fact is that Inter is one of the most modern teams in the world: a squad that can continuously reshape itself – especially when in possession – to disorient its rivals without any backlash. In some cases, going on to tackle the Nerazzurri man-to-man seems practically nonsensical, and is indeed counterproductive. As clearly visible in the photo (a still taken from the first goal Atalanta conceded in the 4-0 defeat at the start of the season), Inzaghi’s boys have no issues roaming the entire pitch during possession play, continually swapping between midfield and defense – notably Calhanoglu and Barella who at times play as center-backs. Persisting with man-to-man marking can prove to be extremely damaging for opponents.

In this instance too (from a play that ended with the ex-Gladbach hitting the post), sticking with man-to-man marking often means neglecting the offside trap. Holding Djimsiti (or any other center-back) man-to-man against Thuram can be extremely risky. It’s not just a matter of formation (also), but largely a question of defensive ideology: it’s true that Inter is going through a rough patch, but to play a stellar match and to consider winning against Inzaghi’s boys would require, man to man, a truly titanic feat. Triumphing in every duel, both physically in defense and technically in attack. So, one possible strategy to unsettle Inzaghi – arguably the most significant – could be to play with a four-man defense for the first time. This insightful approach has already been implemented by Juric in his last two face-offs against Inter as coach of the “granata” team. In two matches where Torino was more troublesome than usual against the Italian Champions, they presented a 4-2-3-1 line-up with two quick central midfielders. The Croatian coach might venture again, straying from his ideals, to play with a 4+2 without man-markers (and high exits). Much of the game, as often happens in football, will depend on the attitude of both teams, but if Roma intends to challenge Inter – as Milan did in the derby they won 1-2 at San Siro (a match in which the Rossoneri played a 4-2-4 with Morata frequently dropping centrally to receive the ball) – they will need to play with intensity and fully capitalize on the central lanes, bringing a multitude of players onto the three-quarter line (Dybala, Pellegrini, Piselli) to orchestrate dangerous manoeuvres or to position Dovbyk for a shot at goal.