Inzaghi unveils his anti-Lamine Yamal plan: “That’s what we’ll do to him”

As the clock ticks down to the much-anticipated UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg clash between Inter Milan and FC Barcelona, all eyes are on one name: Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old prodigy has taken Europe by storm this season, and now finds himself at the heart of Simone Inzaghi’s biggest tactical headache.

Inter Milan and Barcelona delivered a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg at the Spotify Camp Nou, setting up a blockbuster conclusion at San Siro this Tuesday. While the scoreline is level, the psychological battle has already begun — and Inzaghi made it clear in his pre-match press conference that his focus is squarely on neutralizing Barcelona’s teenage sensation.

“How do you limit a player like him?” Inzaghi mused. “You try to give him as few touches as possible. We’re going to double-mark him, of course. That’s our plan.” His words, quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport, didn’t mask the respect — and concern — he has for Yamal.

Yamal has been nothing short of phenomenal this season. At just 17, the winger has already made 50 appearances for Barcelona’s first team, scoring 15 goals and providing 21 assists. His impact has been immediate and undeniable, prompting comparisons to the likes of Lionel Messi and Luís Figo. Yet Inzaghi refuses to get drawn into such debates.

“I’m not interested in comparisons,” he said. “What strikes me most is his speed of thought. Before the ball even gets to him, he already knows what he’s going to do. That level of intelligence at his age is rare.”

That statement alone speaks volumes. For a coach who has dealt with world-class attackers, Inzaghi’s awe at Yamal’s mental sharpness suggests just how influential the teenager has become in Barça’s European campaign.

Italian defenses are famed for their discipline, structure, and anticipation. But even those time-tested virtues can be challenged by a player who thrives on improvisation and instinct. For defenders like Bastoni and Darmian, keeping Yamal quiet will not be a task—it will be a war.

In fact, Alessandro Bastoni echoed his coach’s sentiments: “We need to double- or even triple-mark him,” he warned. “You can’t stop Yamal by defending casually. You need to suffocate him.”

Such targeted attention from the opposition is testament to Yamal’s rapid rise. Few players at his age command such defensive schemes in a Champions League semi-final. And yet, here he is—Barcelona’s biggest weapon in their quest to return to European glory.

Despite Inter’s formidable setup and experience, they are wary of the dribbler who seems immune to pressure. Yamal’s one-on-one ability, eye for the final pass, and audacity in tight spaces make him a constant threat. Even a half-chance could tilt the balance of this high-stakes clash.

And that’s exactly what worries Inzaghi. “In matches like this, sometimes it only takes a second of brilliance. A single dribble. A moment of magic. And on that front, Lamine Yamal is already world-class,” he admitted.

Inzaghi’s challenge is not just tactical—it’s strategic. To crowd out Yamal without breaking the structure of Inter’s backline will require discipline, communication, and near-perfect execution. Focus too much on Yamal, and Barcelona’s other stars — like Pedri, Lewandowski, or Félix — could pounce. Ignore him, and he will punish you.

Meanwhile, Barcelona enters the tie with quiet confidence. Head coach Hansi Flick knows that his young winger has become the spark in his attack. Yamal’s fearlessness and flair give Barça an unpredictable edge, something Inter must be wary of.

Still, Inzaghi remains pragmatic. “We’re not underestimating anyone,” he said. “But we’re also not panicking. We’ve studied the footage. We’ve prepared well. And we believe we have a way to contain him.”

Even so, whispers around Milan suggest Inzaghi may have tasked a specific midfielder — perhaps Nicolò Barella — to shadow Yamal when he drifts inside, while the full-backs hold the wide line. It’s a plan with layers, but as any coach knows, plans are only as good as their execution under pressure.

For Lamine Yamal, this is another stage to shine. Another challenge to conquer. Another night to write history. And whether he overcomes Inter’s “triple-cage” or not, one thing is clear: Europe is watching.

This semi-final is more than just a tactical battle; it’s a duel of generations. On one side, a seasoned Italian manager with a point to prove. On the other, a teenage phenom with the world at his feet.

Tonight at the San Siro, we’ll discover whether Inzaghi’s “anti-Yamal” plan stands up under the spotlight—or whether football’s newest star adds another chapter to his storybook rise.

One thing is certain: if Yamal gets even a sniff of space, Inter could pay the price.

The lights will shine bright in Milan. But for one 17-year-old boy, it’s just another chance to make the world believe.