Inter Milan to build ‘defensive cage’ around Barcelona’s most dangerous player | OneFootball

According to SPORT, Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi is working on a detailed plan to stop Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final clash.

Yamal’s dazzling display in the first leg has made him the centre of attention ahead of the return leg, and Inzaghi is determined to avoid a repeat.

The Inter boss knows how dangerous the teenager can be when given space and time. That is why his plan is simple — don’t give Yamal any of either.

Inter’s defensive cage

Inzaghi wants to build a defensive ‘cage’ around the winger, using double or even triple marking to keep him quiet. This includes assigning defenders and midfielders to constantly close him down and cut off his supply.

One key part of Inzaghi’s plan was to rely on experienced defender Benjamin Pavard. But with Pavard out injured, that option is off the table.

Lamine Yamal will be a threat for Inter. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

As a result, Yann Bisseck will continue in the back three alongside Francesco Acerbi and Alessandro Bastoni. These three will play a crucial role in helping wing-back Federico Dimarco, who is likely to face Yamal directly.

Room for Barcelona to exploit

Dimarco, known more for his attacking runs, has often struggled defensively. That’s why Inzaghi will ask one of his central defenders to step up and assist him when needed.

In addition, midfielders like Henrikh Mkhitaryan or Hakan Calhanoglu will be asked to help close down Yamal and block passing lanes leading to him.

Inzaghi has made it clear to his team: stop Yamal, and you take away a big part of Barcelona’s attacking threat.

Every move Inter makes defensively will be influenced by the 17-year-old, who terrorised their backline in the first leg at Montjuïc.

Barcelona’s rising star is already forcing one of Europe’s top sides to completely adapt their tactics. Now, all eyes will be on whether Inter’s plan can actually stop him.