Bastoni change of role could let Inter keep 3-5-2 system | OneFootball

With all their left-sided wing-backs out injured, Inter are reportedly planning a new role for Alessandro Bastoni to keep the 3-5-2 formation intact.

The Nerazzurri enter the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against Feyenoord at the De Kuip stadium on Wednesday at 17.45 GMT.

Coach Simone Inzaghi already knows he will be without the injured Federico Dimarco, Nicola Zalewski, Carlos Augusto and Matteo Darmian.

It means there are simply no left-sided wing-backs to complete the usual 3-5-2 system.

Bastoni key to Inter tactical system

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Marko Arnautovic of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Coppa Italia Quarter Final match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

According to Sky Sport Italia, there is indeed a plan to add an extra centre-back to the side, but not for a four-man defence.

Instead, Bastoni would be used in a more advanced role down the left flank, where he has so often surged forward to combine with Dimarco and pump in crosses.

This is not entirely unheard of for Inter, as for example Bastoni famously provided a cross for his fellow central defender Yann Bisseck to score last season.

His presence would therefore allow him to drop back when defending to shore up the side, but Bastoni is also absolutely no stranger to going forward.

Probable line-up (3-5-2): J Martinez; Pavard, De Vrij, Acerbi; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Bastoni; Lautaro Martinez, Thuram