How Inter Milan’s Backline Creates Chaos in Attack

From the image above, you can see the difference in how wide the two centre-backs, Benjamin Pavard and Alessandro Bastoni, are positioned—occupying areas typically associated with full-backs or wingers.

Meanwhile, Matteo Darmian shifts inward from full-back into a midfield role, and Federico Dimarco on the opposite flank pushes up next to the strikers.

This setup means Inter Milan’s defenders are stretching the pitch as wide as possible while also joining the attack as extra bodies up front. Players who would typically remain deep in most teams end up acting as attackers, pinning back opposing defenses.

This fluidity sees Inter’s defenders operating far higher up the pitch, effectively becoming attackers and pinning opponents’ defensive lines back.

Centre-Backs Causing Havoc

It’s a frequent sight to see a centre-back for Inter Milan gallop forward. They can do this because one of the midfielders, Hakan Calhanoglu, drops into a deeper position to cover and become part of the defense.

This tactical shift gives defenders the freedom to advance without leaving gaps at the back, creating a seamless transition between defense and attack.

As this occurs, Bastoni from centre-back senses the space opening in front of him. When the switch is made to the opposite side, he receives the ball while another full-back, Dimarco, occupies a defender—disrupting the opponent’s defensive shape.

Plays like the one above are made possible because both Inter full-backs—Dimarco and Darmian—have pushed up into the attack to join the two strikers and a midfielder, dragging the opposing defense to one side. When Calhanoglu receives the ball on the right, it frees up space on the left, which Bastoni can then exploit.

Centre-backs are a strong attacking option for Inter Milan, as opposing defenders are preoccupied with marking the usual forward threats. They don’t expect Bastoni, De Vrij, or Acerbi to bomb forward, and when they do, it catches defenses off guard. These defenders are rarely prepared for the dynamic attacking roles Inter’s centre-backs take on.

It’s a unique method of creating gaps in attack and transitioning the ball from defense to offense. Opposing full-backs may find themselves defending not just against Marcus Thuram, but also against Dimarco and an advancing centre-back—forcing them to constantly adapt to attackers with different attributes. Below is a heatmap of Bastoni’s most common positions throughout the season. As you can see, there is a heavy emphasis on attacking down the left wing. Playing as a left centre-back in a back three, Bastoni is just as active in the final third as he is in defense.

A heatmap of Bastoni’s season clearly illustrates his aggressive positioning on the left flank, underscoring his role as much in attack as defense—uncommon among traditional centre-backs.

Inter Milan’s defenders have become a key attacking asset, continuously presenting opponents with unique and unpredictable challenges. Against a tactically fluid and dynamic team like Inter, PSG won’t just have to worry about the forwards—it’s the defenders who might make the crucial difference.