Antonio Conte’s Tactical Revolution: Inter Milan’s 2019-20 Transformation
Since Antonio Conte took the helm at Inter Milan, the club has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as one of Serie A’s most formidable teams. Inter’s campaign began with six consecutive league victories, marked by 13 goals scored and just 2 conceded. Their impressive performances have featured standout passing accuracy and one of the league’s highest possession percentages. Key signings and revitalized players such as Romelu Lukaku, Kwadwo Asamoah, Marcelo Brozovic, and Stefano Sensi have all contributed to Inter’s early dominance and upward trajectory under Conte’s guidance.
Conte’s Preferred Formation: The Modern 3-1-4-2 Setup
Antonio Conte is renowned for his affinity for back-three formations, and at Inter Milan he has introduced a dynamic 3-1-4-2 approach. Previously, with Juventus and Chelsea, he favored the 3-4-3, whereas with Italy he implemented a more traditional 3-5-2. At Inter, the defensive backbone is frequently formed by Stefan De Vrij and Milan Skriniar, supported by either Diego Godin or Andrea Ranocchia. On the flanks, wing-backs Kwadwo Asamoah and Danilo D’Ambrosio consistently provide width and energy, though Antonio Candreva occasionally fills the right-sided role.
The midfield structure is anchored by Marcelo Brozovic, a key figure operating as the deep-lying playmaker. Alongside him, Stefano Sensi and either Nicolo Barella or Roberto Gagliardini are encouraged to advance, offering creativity and verticality. This tactical triangle often shifts depending on the opposition, at times forming a double pivot or introducing a more attacking midfielder.
Leading the frontline, Lautaro Martinez and Romelu Lukaku have developed an effective partnership, combining movement and physicality while keeping talented options like Alexis Sanchez and Matteo Politano primarily on the bench.
Building from the Back: Inter’s Possession Patterns
Conte has maintained a structured approach to playing out from the defensive third, tailored to maximize the strengths of his squad. Goalkeeper Samir Handanovic can bypass opposition pressing by targeting wing-backs with long balls, but Inter’s preference is a patient, coordinated buildup. The back-three circulate possession horizontally, waiting for opportunities to progress the ball either to central midfielders or wing-backs.
Brozovic plays a pivotal role in this phase. His positioning facilitates ball circulation, exploiting the wide spaces created as the center-backs stretch laterally. If progression through the center is blocked, Brozovic often initiates switches of play, utilizing the advanced positioning of the wing-backs. Further up, Sensi and Barella or Gagliardini link with the forwards, enabling Inter to recycle offensive movements until an incisive opportunity develops.
This approach emphasizes crisp, short passing and intelligent off-the-ball movement, allowing one striker to drop deep to retain possession and maintain structure without sacrificing a forward outlet.
Pressing Tactics: Sustained Pressure from the Front
With recent changes to goal kick rules allowing defenders inside the penalty area, Inter exploits this by pressing high during opposition build-ups. Lukaku and Martinez position themselves parallel to rival center-backs, ready to trigger pressure as soon as the ball is played. Central midfielders block passes into deep-lying playmakers, while wing-backs close down opposition fullbacks.
Once the ball shifts to the flanks, Inter’s press forms a diamond shape, with the striker, two midfielders, and a nearby wing-back converging aggressively. This compact and coordinated pressing often forces turnovers or long clearances, particularly evident in their dominant performance against AC Milan, where their rivals struggled to progress beyond their own half.
The Midfield Engine: Marcelo Brozovic and the Central Trio
Since impressing at the 2018 World Cup, Marcelo Brozovic has become one of Europe’s elite holding midfielders, and under Conte, his importance has only grown. Serving as the single pivot at the base of midfield, Brozovic provides both defensive cover and creative impetus. He orchestrates play from deep, responsible for switching play with vision and maintaining possession under opposition pressure.
Brozovic’s tactical intelligence liberates Stefano Sensi and Nicolo Barella to move forward into attacking positions. Sensi, particularly, has excelled, producing five goal contributions in his first six Serie A matches. Barella, while less prolific, has added assists by exploiting space created by Brozovic’s coverage. The harmony and versatility of this midfield triangle constitute a foundation for Inter’s success, offering balance, energy, and adaptability.
Wing-Backs as Dual Threats: Wide Play and Defensive Solidity
Inter’s resurgent form under Conte heavily relies on the contributions of their wing-backs. Inspired by his previous successes transforming players in similar roles at Chelsea, Conte utilizes Asamoah, D’Ambrosio, and occasionally Candreva to stretch the pitch and bombard wide areas in attack. These wide players act as key outlets, switching play and overloading one flank before swiftly transitioning to the other, as seen in their notable victory over Lazio where the wing-backs combined for the winning goal.
Defensively, the wing-backs are equally critical. On transitions, they quickly drop deep to reinforce the back line, often forming a back five that is difficult to break down. Their ability to contribute both in the attacking and defensive phases ensures Inter’s shape remains compact and organized, minimizing goals conceded and maximizing attacking options from wide positions.
Season Overview and Tactical Impact
Inter Milan’s flawless opening to the 2019-20 Serie A campaign reflects Antonio Conte’s tactical mastery. With key players revitalized, including Lukaku, De Vrij, and Brozovic, and impactful performances from midfield signings Sensi and Barella, Inter have established themselves as genuine title contenders. While Juventus remains the benchmark after years of dominance, Inter’s newfound organization and dynamism represent their strongest challenge in nearly a decade.
Conte’s signature blend of tactical acumen, disciplined structure, and intense work ethic has quickly redefined Inter Milan as one of Europe’s most exciting and efficient sides. As the season progresses, their adaptability and balance across all phases of play are likely to keep them at the heart of the Serie A title race.
