In this article
A third central midfielder could help Fiorentina at San Siro by offering another passing option and sharing the work after possession is lost. Brescianini’s inclusion would be useful on one clear condition: when a midfielder goes forward, someone stays connected to the defenders.
What the pre-match reports predicted
On 24 October, Labaro Viola relayed Sky’s predicted team: De Gea; Jiménez, Drăgușin, Pongračić, Valdepeñas; Ndour, Fagioli, Brescianini; Mastantuono, Pellegrino, Njie. Labaro described it as a 4-3-3, while Sky’s match page arranged the same players in a 4-3-2-1. The main difference was the position of the two players behind the striker. This was a forecast for 25 October, rather than the official line-up. [1, 2]
Compared with the starters against Como, that scenario brought in Valdepeñas for Viery and Brescianini for Pedro Gonçalves. The midfield change offered a way to improve the build-up; it did not automatically make the side more defensive. [3]
4-3-3
4-3-2-1
Sharing the midfield jobs
Our proposed division has Fagioli starting attacks in front of the defence, Ndour following the active side and providing cover, and Brescianini making more forward runs. It gives Fagioli a nearby outlet and helps prevent the striker from becoming isolated.
Those jobs should change with the move. If Ndour carries the ball forward, Brescianini stays available for a return pass. If Brescianini enters the box, Ndour keeps contact with Fagioli. These exchanges matter more than permanently labelling one player an attacker and another a defender. Our Fiorentina midfield analysis explores the relationships in more detail.
One full-back advances, the other stays connected
When Jiménez supports Mastantuono on the right, Valdepeñas can remain alongside the centre-backs. That leaves three players behind the move, with two midfielders available to receive or slow a counter-attack. This is our suggested attacking organisation, rather than a claim about the coaching staff’s instructions.
The full-back selections were still open before the match: ANSA reported competition for both places. The same covering rule would help with Dodô or Viery. The important point is to avoid both full-backs leaving their sectors at once without anyone taking over. [4]
Support for the wingers and Pellegrino
Mastantuono needs a full-back and midfielder nearby so he can choose between dribbling, passing back and moving inside. On the opposite side, Njie can wait for a switch or run behind the wing-back. If both wingers move centrally straight away, Inter can crowd that area more easily.
On a longer pass towards Pellegrino, his nearest teammate needs to move closer before the aerial contest. Otherwise even a good lay-off can fall to the opposition. Without the ball, the wingers can recover into a 4-1-4-1 midfield line while retaining a route into the counter-attack.
How to judge the change
Look for three things: a nearby outlet when Fagioli receives under pressure, cover behind an advancing full-back, and support for Pellegrino’s lay-offs. They reveal more than the formation label. They also fit Vanoli’s stated pre-match priorities of finding balance and conceding fewer goals. [5]
For the wider options, read our comparison of 4-3-3, 3-5-2 and 4-2-3-1 and the Inter–Fiorentina tactical preview.
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.