Walter Mazzarri had more success at Napoli than anyone expected and he achieved it playing a very fluid 3-5-2 formation. Whilst this transition was taking place, Inter, were going through one of their own. Unfortunately for the Nerazzurri this was one from European Champions to mid-table obscurity. In the end Mazzarri was pulled North by the potential offered from the falling giant and now he will try and impose his system on them.
What it will take for this different style to work depends on many variables. This is from the players desire to adapt, the ability of the squad, in fact all the way through the willingness of the chairman to put his hand in his pocket. Whatever the case, Mazzarri trusts in his tactics and although they are not too new, they still need some understanding.
The 3-5-2 formation was established after Euro 84. The 4-4-2 had become stale and the motivation was to add fighting forces in midfield to over-power the opposition. The first success stories came in 1986 when Carlos Bilardo of Argentina and Franz Beckenbauer of West Germany refined the 3-5-2 to what we know it as today. This was soon accepted by most coaches and experts all around the world. Using the advantages of the system, they led their teams to the final of Mexico 86 and Italia 90.
The first area which is key to the formation is the goalkeeper who must be experienced and overall a strong character with unquestionable ability. This is because unlike a traditional 4-4-2 where the keeper has control over his back four, the 3-5-2 does bring up some complications. This is because the keeper has less control over his wing backs who will go forward more often than not. Therefore he has to have a superb understanding with his back three and direct them (when to cover, when not to cover the flanks) and he must have a superb relationship with the sweeper whom he must almost be telepathic with.
Inter have just the man in Samir Handanovic, the Serb had a superb season despite Inter’s poor form, he is an imposing figure and arguably the best goalkeeper in the division.
When it comes to the defenders there are three types. Firstly there is the sweeper, a man who must cover (or sweep up) any mistakes the central defenders make. Secondly there are the other two central defenders (either side of the sweeper), who must control the opposition strikers using either man marking or the zonal system.
A sweeper must be experienced, self-confident, with a strong sense of the game and the ability to read and predict events unfolding in a match.
As far as physical aspect, they must have pace and be not too short. They must primarily be good on the ball as a lot of the play will come when the ball comes short to them and they play out from the back.
Inter have Andrea Ranocchia for this job, he has looked suspect at times when he has been playing with four at the back but with cover either side, he has the ability with his feet to fulfil this role. The ageing Walter Samuel could also be ideal cover for him.
The central defenders will play either side of the sweeper and they must be strong with good pace. As well as good ariel ability they must be disciplined and listen to the sweeper and the keeper. Inter have Juan Jesus and Hugo Campagnaro for this job with Marco Andreolli for cover. All of these players potentially have the ideal mix of abilities to do this job and if Mazzarri can install some discipline into them then it could be a superb blend.
Wing-backs are the third and some would think most crucial to the defensive structure. Many would also argue that primarily they are midfielders but one of the key factors about making the 3-5-2 work is making sure that although most of the wing backs game may be spent counter attacking, their primary objective is to defend. Only when the game is under control must they start to exert pressure. This is where Inter have some real potential talent.
They have players who have been criticised when playing solely as wingers or as full backs but who are ideal for this role. Alvaro Pereira, Jonathan, Yuto Nagatomo and the legendary Javier Zanetti are all made for the job. Even beyond that it is not impossible to see Mazzarri finding a use for Joel Obi or Ezequiel Schelotto in these positions.
In midfield there are two types, the central midfielders and the attacking midfielder.
The central midfielders are key characters in this formation and need to be defensively minded, full of spacial awareness, strong with good stamina and the ability to look for a pass anywhere on the pitch. They need to be aware and cover when the wing-backs attack and be equally able to provide support for the attacking midfielder.
Inter have numerous candidates for this job with Zdravko Kuzmanovic and Esteban Cambiasso being the obvious two. Mateo Kovacic and Freddy Guarin could also play in this position but there is a strong argument for them playing in the attacking role. Cover in this position could be found in Gaby Mudingayi also who would slot easily into this role.
The attacking midfielder has freedom due to the central midfielders taking a lot of the work away from him. However, although it is up to him and the wing backs to provide the supply for the forwards the attacking mid has to be extremely talented as when the wing backs are defending the pressure is on him to provide for the strikers.
Not only this but with this formation he must be able to chip in with the goals as well. Inter have Mateo Kovacic and Freddy Guarin who could play this role even though they have different qualities but the main protagonist for the position has to be Ricky Alvarez who has all the abilities to make this position his own. He would need to play with more confidence than he has been but if he could realise even half of his potential he would be an ideal fit.
Lastly the forwards, they must be self-confident as with all front men but more than that they need to be ‘in the box strikers’. Diego Milito is the best example of this and when fit will be superb in this formation. Rodrigo Palacio also is made for this formation and last year showe
d he can score goals even when the team are struggling. Age is a factor with these two, but new acquisitions Mauro Icardi and Ishak Belfodil both show signs of adapting into this role easily
In conclusion, this system can work if you have smart footballers. Inter’s success will be based on the verticality of the wing backs and their trio in the middle. This helps orchestrate an offensive that produces goals. This complex system is only available if you players that have the ability to think tactically, Walter Mazzarri will install discipline in this side and demonstrate a new style of football that he has perfected in his time at Napoli. They have the coach, they have the formation, they have the players and they could with some luck have a shot at the title.
