The space between the lines

Bologna host Inter at the Dall'Ara and the first thing to check is the distance between Bologna's midfield three and their back four. When they sit deep, that gap invites Inter's trequartista to receive between the lines.

Watch Federico Dimarco on Inter's left. If Bologna's right winger does not track him, Dimarco arrives in the half-space with time to cross. That is where the opening comes from, not from possession.

If Bologna's midfield steps up to close that lane, the space appears behind them for Lautaro Martinez to drop into. Two different problems from one structural detail.

Look at who covers the runner before you look at the ball.

Question: When Bologna's midfield drops, does the gap between the lines open for Inter or do the centre-backs step out to close it?