Internazionale – Fluminense: Chivu Flu To Close To The Sun (0-2)

The warning signs had been ignored. Internazionale leaves the United States in a way that you would expect: limited in both attack and defense, and at the hands of a well-organized Fluminense.

Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker.

Every step is one closer to redemption. Inter went into the Club World Cup in humiliating circumstances: the more they could progress, the more likely they were to clear this image.

Cristian Chivu is starting to seek more methods in the 3-5-2 blueprint that he was left with. Movements from deep have been less adventurous, rotations in the attack are a little more prominent, but whether they could effectively break down an opponent or resolve issues out of possession was yet to be seen. Inter slowly started in the tournament but were superior to Urawa Reds and River Plate to pass through the group stage.

However, Fluminense promised to be a tougher opponent to chew. Under Renato Portaluppi, in his fifth stint at the club, they have the discipline in defense to cause frustration, as Borussia Dortmund and Mamelodi Sundowns both observed. Down the right side, Jhon Arias has been an effective and progressive outlet to relieve pressure . . .