In this article
Fiorentina need a shape that lets them attack while keeping cover behind the ball. Before the Inter match, our preference was a 4-3-3 that became a 4-1-4-1 without possession. It kept two wingers and three central midfielders without requiring another major reshuffle.
The reference point was the predicted team featuring Brescianini. The options below compare possible responsibilities. They are editorial proposals written before the match on 25 October 2026, rather than a record of the coaching staff’s decisions. [1, 2, 3]
What changes with each system?
4-3-3
3-5-2
4-2-3-1
4-3-3: width and midfield connections
The main benefit is the range of routes forward. The wingers stretch the defence, the striker occupies the centre-backs and the midfielders can receive at different heights. Fagioli begins the move, one number eight comes closer for a combination and the other looks for space near the box. Here, “number eight” means an interior midfielder playing alongside the deepest midfielder.
The danger comes when both eights and both full-backs advance together. Fagioli is then left alone in front of the centre-backs. Our proposed rule is simple: one midfielder goes, another remains available, and the full-backs take turns moving forward.
After possession is lost, the wingers recover into midfield. A 4-1-4-1 leaves one player between midfield and defence, but he cannot cover every possible receiver alone. Nearby teammates must close central passes and move with him.
3-5-2: more presence in the box, a different attack
A third centre-back makes it easier to share the work against two strikers. When the wing-backs recover, they form a back five. That can help defend crosses and provide cover when a centre-back steps out.
There are trade-offs. Keeping three central midfielders and Pellegrino leaves only one place for another forward. Mastantuono and Njie cannot both retain their existing winger roles. The wing-backs’ movements and the routes out from defence also need preparation.
Five deep defenders do not guarantee control. If midfield moves too far away, opponents can still receive freely in front of the box. We therefore see 3-5-2 as an option to rehearse, rather than an immediate answer to every goal conceded.
4-2-3-1: a nearby outlet for Fagioli
If the opposition cuts off Fagioli, Ndour can drop alongside him. Brescianini stays higher, connecting the pair to Pellegrino. In possession that resembles a 4-2-3-1; once the wingers recover, it can become a 4-4-1-1.
Fagioli gains an easier pass and the middle gains more cover. The cost is fewer runs from deeper positions. Brescianini must help both lines: staying too high leaves the pair unsupported, while dropping too deep isolates the striker. This adjustment is possible during a match without changing the entire team.
| System | Benefit | What needs preparation |
|---|---|---|
| 4-3-3 → 4-1-4-1 | Two wingers and three midfield roles | Alternating midfield and full-back advances |
| 3-5-2 → 5-3-2 | More players to defend the box | Wing-back movement and a new attacking division |
| 4-2-3-1 → 4-4-1-1 | Nearby support for the first passer | Cooperation between the midfield pair and the number ten |
Protecting the move while attacking
Three players can remain behind the attack without selecting three specialist centre-backs. One full-back stays alongside the central defenders while the other advances. Two midfielders in front offer return passes and make the opponent’s first counter-attacking pass harder. This is the 3+2 arrangement discussed in our analyses.
The striker needs support too. When Pellegrino contests a long pass, someone should already be ready for his lay-off. Without that movement, the team will soon surrender possession even after winning it back successfully.
What to watch during the game
- After a regain, is there a short pass and a route forward?
- Does one midfielder stay close when another advances?
- Who covers the space behind the full-back?
- Does Pellegrino have support for the second ball?
These situations help assess the plan beyond the outcome of one move. Read our midfield analysis for the players’ roles and the Inter match preview for the tasks at San Siro.
Sources and data scope
Reference date: 24.10.2026. Tables and charts retain the article’s figures and scope. Tactical diagrams explain editorial proposals, rather than measured player positions.