Torino manager Roberto D'Aversa deployed an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation, featuring Duván Zapata in a wide role, to secure a dramatic 2-2 comeback draw against Serie A leaders Inter Milan on Sunday. The bold tactical change, implemented in the second half, saw Zapata operate from the left flank behind striker Gianluca Scamacca, a significant departure from the team's usual 3-5-2 system this season. According to match reports from Italy, the shift unlocked Torino's attacking potential and earned a valuable point.
The move was sparked by D'Aversa's desire for courage, a theme he emphasized pre-match. After falling 2-0 behind early in the second half, he introduced substitutes Nikola Vlasic and Cesare Casadei, pushing Emirhan Ilkhan into a more advanced role and shifting Zapata out wide. This created a front four with Vlasic central, Valentin Mihaila on the right, and Zapata on the left, all supporting Scamacca. The system provided the width and penetration that had been lacking, with full-backs Alessandro Buongiorno and Raoul Bellanova offering supporting runs from deep.
For Zapata, the role represented a notable adaptation. The 33-year-old Colombian striker, who joined Torino from Atalanta last summer, is traditionally a central target man. His deployment on the wing against Inter showcased his versatility and willingness to work for the team's structure. Zapata has eight Serie A goals this season, providing a physical focal point, but this tactical tweak utilized his ability to link play and create space for others in a more fluid attacking unit.
The context of the match made D'Aversa's gamble more significant. Facing the soon-to-be-crowned champions, a conservative approach would have been expected. Instead, the coach reshaped his team on the fly, a decision that ultimately yielded a goal for Scamacca and a penalty converted by Vlasic. The performance suggests D'Aversa is evaluating different tactical options for the future, with the team safely mid-table but aiming to surpass last season's points total of 44.
Looking ahead, this flexible approach could offer Torino new solutions for their final four matches, including a season-ending Derby della Mole against Juventus. While Zapata's long-term future at the club remains a topic for the summer, his effective performance in a new role demonstrates his continued value to the squad. The draw against Inter provides a blueprint for how Torino might approach games against stronger opponents, relying on tactical surprise and attacking intent rather than purely defensive solidity.
