How Fluminense’s coach Renato Gaucho stunned Inter Milan with tactical 3-5-2 formation at Club World Cup

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Fluminense manager Renato Gaucho, wearing cap, and his players celebrate after Hercules scored their second goal during the Club World Cup soccer match against Inter Milan. (AP Photo)

Fluminense manager Renato Gaucho stunned Inter Milan, by subverting their own strategy to defeat them and book a place in the Club World Cup quarter-finals. The Brazilian coach raved about his players and in particular, how they adapted to a rare three-center-back formation.

“We weren’t used to playing that way, but over the last three days, I got it into my players’ heads that it was possible. We respected the opponent, of course, but we showed everyone that we believed. We faced a top team with far more money than us, but once on the pitch, it’s one versus one,” Renato said, as reported by Brazilian newspaper O Globo.

The 3-5-2 combination has a nice ironic twist to it as it’s a staple of Inter Milan over the years. Antonio Conte famously employed it to win the 2020/21 Serie A title and his successor Simone Inzaghi also used it a lot to take Inter to champions league final in 2023.

By deploying three central defenders and a back five, Renato effectively shut down Inter’s wing attacks. Ignacio and Freytes played vital roles in protecting Thiago Silva, who led the defensive line. The structure was further bolstered by Bernal’s positioning as defensive midfielder. And the zone worked more effectively by Nonato at an advanced midfielder position, where he repeatedly pressed Inter’s build-ups.
Arias and Cano widened the attack at the wings, while Nonato pushed through the center creating constant pressure. And Inter Milan buckled.

The 3-5-2 tactical block has three centre backs, two wingbacks and three central midfielders and two forwards. The centre back provide a numerical advantage when defending and that extra protection allows the wingbacks to attack more without fretting about any defensive responsibility. It’s not without risks though as explained by Athletic’s Tifo: “Its weakness is space. Without the protection of the fullback, the wide centre backs can be exposed and without unusually athletic and skilful defenders, it becomes unstable.”

The coach Renato highlighted the group’s mentality: “My team gave everything. They stayed focused, dedicated. This group deserves all the credit. And our fans too—what a celebration. People all over Brazil should enjoy this. We’re among the final eight, and many didn’t believe we could make it.”

Renato also talked about the disparity between clubs from different continents: “Brazilian football is showing its strength. European clubs have more money and can sign the best players, but on the field, what counts is attitude and commitment. That’s what my team showed today.”

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