BIG DUNK
Gio
BIG DUNK Tactics
Playstyle update: a further evolution is required to combat Gio's Grande Inter blueprint - we will need to disrupt their defensive line, creating and exploiting space. To achieve this, young Michael Laudrup is replaced with prime Johan Cruyff, in his peak false 9 role, now forming the famous 4-3-3. We still retain our all-action directness in possession: our improved press-and-possess style and limitless passing triangles enables us to employ swift and explosive transitions. We also aim to achieve territorial dominance through winning back possession higher up the pitch. If we do not regain possession after an initial press, we drop mid-block, in a tight and compact shape.
Key tactical notes: Johan Cruyff is my false 9, dragging Maldini and Scirea out of position, creating overloads in midfield, disrupting Gio's defensive structure and linking up play. Preben Elkjær is the marauding forward cutting in from the left wing, exploiting the space created by Cruyff. Elkjær's high workrate, dynamic dribbling and aggressive physicality made him a nightmare for low-block defences in Serie A between '84-'88. Pierre Littbarski stretches the opponent's defence and aims to pin Facchetti back with his direct dribbling, agile turns, changes of pace and quick feet (Facchetti's kryptonite). Thus, Facchetti's influence will be reduced, being Gio's key player in offering his team attacking width and support on the left. My attack remains fluid: forwards who can interchange positions, being effective in both outside and inside channels.
My midfield offers excellent support to both my defence and attack. They will create space through their constant movement (confusing Desailly, Luis Suárez and Iniesta), dropping, moving between the lines, interchanging positions, running into the space created by Cruyff, making overlapping and under-lapping runs with our fullbacks and wingforwards. Our midfield is the foundation upon we control the middle, dictate the tempo, transition effectively between the attacking and defensive phases and break down our opposition's attacks (possessing the necessary pressing tenacity and defensive quality to shut down Gio's counter attacks initiated by Suárez, Scirea and Baggio). Luis Suárez's creative influence in midfield will thus be reduced, who is vital for Gio's quick build-up play. Gio's lack of pressing will also allow the genius-creative likes of Beckenbauer and Cruyff more space and time on the ball, increasing our effective ball circulation and creation of penetrating vertical passes. Meanwhile Iniesta (more effective in a control/possession set-up) will look frustated in Gio's counter-attacking philosophy, deprived of the ball, time and space. Gio’s playmakers will be forced deeper, stifled by Neeskens’ kamikaze-pilot pressing. Moreover, Henry will look an isolated figure up top (deprived of progressive one-twos with Iniesta, long passes from Luis Suárez, minimized overlaps by Facchetti and through-balls from Baggio) left to run after long-ball scraps, that Beckenbauer will sweep up, covering both elite stoppers Berti Vogts and Jürgen Kohler.
Gio Tactics
IL GRANDE INTER BLUEPRINT
The team follows the tactical blueprint laid out by Helenio Herrera's Grande Inter side of the 1960s which won 3 Serie A titles, the European Cup twice in '64 and '65 and were runners-up in '67, as well as 2 intercontinental cups.
The same shape and counter-attacking catenaccio is in play here.
Juventus and Italy's success in the late 1970s and early 1980s inspires the selection with Dino Zoff (Sarti) as a formidable presence in goals with club and country compatriot Geatano Scirea (Picchi) acting as libero ahead. He is flanked by the duo of Paulo Maldini (Guarneri) and Lillian Thuram (Burgnich). Ahead the rock Marcel Desailly (Bedin) shields the defence, and to his left Giacinto Facchetti is back in his familiar spot.
Taking command from the centre is Luis Suarez who takes on the same role as he did for Herrera's side. He is supported to his left by new addition Andres Iniesta (Corso) whose silky smooth work in central and inside-left areas provides both defensive solidity and sheer craft in possession. On the right is Bruno Conti (Jair) assuming a similar role to his Italy '82 heroics, bringing flank graft and sharp counter-attacking interplay in central areas.
In attack Roberto Baggio (Mazzola) is paired with Thierry Henry (Peiro). Contrasting threats as Henry stretches the defence with his pace and athleticism, while the diminutive Baggio weaves magic inbetween the lines.
Tactical points for the game:
Gio
BIG DUNK Tactics
Playstyle update: a further evolution is required to combat Gio's Grande Inter blueprint - we will need to disrupt their defensive line, creating and exploiting space. To achieve this, young Michael Laudrup is replaced with prime Johan Cruyff, in his peak false 9 role, now forming the famous 4-3-3. We still retain our all-action directness in possession: our improved press-and-possess style and limitless passing triangles enables us to employ swift and explosive transitions. We also aim to achieve territorial dominance through winning back possession higher up the pitch. If we do not regain possession after an initial press, we drop mid-block, in a tight and compact shape.
Key tactical notes: Johan Cruyff is my false 9, dragging Maldini and Scirea out of position, creating overloads in midfield, disrupting Gio's defensive structure and linking up play. Preben Elkjær is the marauding forward cutting in from the left wing, exploiting the space created by Cruyff. Elkjær's high workrate, dynamic dribbling and aggressive physicality made him a nightmare for low-block defences in Serie A between '84-'88. Pierre Littbarski stretches the opponent's defence and aims to pin Facchetti back with his direct dribbling, agile turns, changes of pace and quick feet (Facchetti's kryptonite). Thus, Facchetti's influence will be reduced, being Gio's key player in offering his team attacking width and support on the left. My attack remains fluid: forwards who can interchange positions, being effective in both outside and inside channels.
My midfield offers excellent support to both my defence and attack. They will create space through their constant movement (confusing Desailly, Luis Suárez and Iniesta), dropping, moving between the lines, interchanging positions, running into the space created by Cruyff, making overlapping and under-lapping runs with our fullbacks and wingforwards. Our midfield is the foundation upon we control the middle, dictate the tempo, transition effectively between the attacking and defensive phases and break down our opposition's attacks (possessing the necessary pressing tenacity and defensive quality to shut down Gio's counter attacks initiated by Suárez, Scirea and Baggio). Luis Suárez's creative influence in midfield will thus be reduced, who is vital for Gio's quick build-up play. Gio's lack of pressing will also allow the genius-creative likes of Beckenbauer and Cruyff more space and time on the ball, increasing our effective ball circulation and creation of penetrating vertical passes. Meanwhile Iniesta (more effective in a control/possession set-up) will look frustated in Gio's counter-attacking philosophy, deprived of the ball, time and space. Gio’s playmakers will be forced deeper, stifled by Neeskens’ kamikaze-pilot pressing. Moreover, Henry will look an isolated figure up top (deprived of progressive one-twos with Iniesta, long passes from Luis Suárez, minimized overlaps by Facchetti and through-balls from Baggio) left to run after long-ball scraps, that Beckenbauer will sweep up, covering both elite stoppers Berti Vogts and Jürgen Kohler.
Gio Tactics
IL GRANDE INTER BLUEPRINT
The team follows the tactical blueprint laid out by Helenio Herrera's Grande Inter side of the 1960s which won 3 Serie A titles, the European Cup twice in '64 and '65 and were runners-up in '67, as well as 2 intercontinental cups.
The same shape and counter-attacking catenaccio is in play here.
Juventus and Italy's success in the late 1970s and early 1980s inspires the selection with Dino Zoff (Sarti) as a formidable presence in goals with club and country compatriot Geatano Scirea (Picchi) acting as libero ahead. He is flanked by the duo of Paulo Maldini (Guarneri) and Lillian Thuram (Burgnich). Ahead the rock Marcel Desailly (Bedin) shields the defence, and to his left Giacinto Facchetti is back in his familiar spot.
Taking command from the centre is Luis Suarez who takes on the same role as he did for Herrera's side. He is supported to his left by new addition Andres Iniesta (Corso) whose silky smooth work in central and inside-left areas provides both defensive solidity and sheer craft in possession. On the right is Bruno Conti (Jair) assuming a similar role to his Italy '82 heroics, bringing flank graft and sharp counter-attacking interplay in central areas.
In attack Roberto Baggio (Mazzola) is paired with Thierry Henry (Peiro). Contrasting threats as Henry stretches the defence with his pace and athleticism, while the diminutive Baggio weaves magic inbetween the lines.
Tactical points for the game:
- The defensive strength of the team is arguably as good as it can get in this system. Maldini, Facchetti, Scirea, Desailly, Thuram are each the gold standard for their respective positions within this set-up. The Desailly and Thuram axis looks particularly robust in the areas that Cruyff will float around, while Maldini and Facchetti have the power to match up to Gullit.
- Herrera argues his Grande Inter wasn't just defensive and, particularly when Suarez and Corso were available, was very progressive. At their peak in 64/65, they trounced Liverpool 3-0, Rangers 3-1 and Dinamo Bucharest 6-0, and scored 16 goals more than anyone else in Serie A. The short-game interplay of Iniesta, Suarez, Conti and Baggio will be very incisive as we progress out of defence and into attack. These will generate smooth transitions through midfield and into the opposition box.
- Untold riches were available with the final piece of the Grande Inter jigsaw in the reinforcement window. However, in staying true to the blueprint and the spirit of the side, Thierry Henry gets the nod. He was the only elite forward available who both fitted the system as a supreme counter-attacker AND who put the needs of the team first. In keeping with Herrera's vision, the team is the star.
). Elkjaer is a player I will definitely use again.