The space behind the full-back 🧠

Watch how Roma press. Gasperini has them winning the ball 45.5 metres from goal, the highest in Serie A. That number does not come from running harder. It comes from the front three curving their runs to cut the pass into the pivot. The lane to the defensive midfielder disappears. The centre-back has to go wide or long.

Now watch the full-backs. When Roma's wing-backs step high to join the press, the channel between centre-back and full-back opens. Inter found it twice in the first half at San Siro. Thuram dropped into that gap, received, and Roma's back three had to scramble across.

A press is only as good as the cover behind it. One loose pass and the whole structure is facing its own goal.

Look at who is covering the full-back's space before you cheer the tackle.

Question: When your team presses high, who is responsible for the channel the full-back leaves behind?