Just like before, George Wood was in charge of defending, being a "bodyguard on the field." Along with Wood's rapid growth, Albertini could afford to put less energy into defending. He was already 34 years old; he was not, like in the past, capable of both retreating to defend and advancing to attack. He had aged, and his physical fitness was not like before. However, the experience he had accumulated as well as his stability and calmness made him extremely suitable to take on the role of a midfield playmaker.
Tang En was fond of Albertini's middle and long passes. Before Arteta, Forest's offense was mainly activated by his mastered pass and its hidden genius, tearing apart the defensive lines of their opponents.
However, in this match, Inter Milan were being extra cautious against Albertini; as former opponents, they naturally understood Albertini's strengths. Furthermore, Inter Milan's current manager was Mancini.
Albertini's "old friend."
