4-3-3 Results
The red shaded rows are the matches in which Gasperini utilised the 4-3-3 formation, his secondary tactic. Gasperini's record using the 4-3-3 formation was 5 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses. He also used this tactic for the home and away matches against both AC Milan and Catania. Both AC Milan and Catania used a similar 4-3-3 formation.
At home, Gasperini's 4-3-3 tactic gave him the best results. Genoa's goal difference with this tactic was +9. This tactic gave Genoa their highest ball possession average which was 56.7% and a very high successful tackles won ratio.
Avg. Possession: 56.7% Dribbles Won: 6.6 (Opposition 7.2)
Genoa Total Shots: 12(Opposition 12) Tackles/match: 26.8(Opposition 21.2)
When playing away, the 4-3-3 tactic was his weakest. His 4-3-3 away record produced his lowest ball possession average with 44.6% only. Genoa did indeed out dribble their opponents slightly, but opponents had almost twice as many shots per match against them!
Avg. Possession: 44.6% Dribbles Won: 4.8(Opposition 4.3)
Genoa Total Shots: 7.5(Opposition 14.8) Tackles/match: 25(Opposition 25)
Which Tactic Should Gasperini use for Inter?
Depending on which types of defenders are playing, both 3-4-3 and 4-3-3 could be used in transitions during every match. Barcelona plays 4-3-3 with four defenders, but when both full backs go into midfield; both centre backs go wide and the defensive midfielder drops back to essentially make a 3-4-3 formation. All very relevant for Genoa's tactical approach. Interestingly, 8/9 times that Gasperini used the 4-3-3 formation, it was after Genoa had lost their previous match. It is quite apparent that Gasperini knows his 3-4-3 approach is risky at times, and when results don't go as expect he reverts to a more "conservative" 4-3-3.
Considering these findings, the best way to start off his Inter journey is to use a 4-3-3 tactic that can accommodate players for his preferred 3-4-3 tactic. Since Gasperini is used to playing three at the back, this does not have to change with a 4-3-3 tactic. Here is a possible formation that Inter could use to get the best of both tactics.
Inter is used to playing 4-3-3, and most importantly, three in attack. The main factor that Inter have to adapt is team pressing and team support when in possession of the ball. The biggest change here is what I believe to be the most beneficial to Inter, and that is to put Sneijder back in a deeper midfield postion. Sneijder has not been a goal threat (except set pieces) lately, but is a master in floating killer passes and orchestrating Inter’s attacking play. So with Motta/Zanetti next to him as a bodyguard, Inter can then afford to have three forwards up front. It is also important to note that Inter desperately need a new right forward to complete this trident.
Another reason why this tactic could work is because Inter have an intelligent player in Cambiasso. The Argentine is a midfield general that can conduct his defenders and full back to be positioned right tactically, and his main duty is to make sure Inter’s defensive shape is organized.
Gasperini is well suited to make these changes happen. He is now in charge of one of the biggest clubs in Europe, so pressure and time are his biggest enemies. Gasperini has all the ingredients to be successful at Inter, this is his time, this is his chance…