AC Milan’s Primavera side comfortably despatched of Newcastle United 4-0 in their UEFA Youth League opener as they look to repeat last season’s deep run in Europe.
Francesco Camarda stole the headlines by becoming the youngest ever Italian goalscorer in the competition at the age of 15, while Chaka Traore and Kevin Zeroli also got on the scoresheet in what ended up being a rout.
So how did Ignazio Abate get things so right tactically? ScoutCalcio has pinpointed some of his moves from the game, starting with the build-up play that the Rossoneri used.
Newcastle would either sit in a 4-5-1 or press in a 4-4-2, so what Abate would do is bait their press and use a third man passing option.
By baiting the away side out it would move their defensive line higher and Milan could attack the space behind. Scotti was found in space down the right side and squared to Chaka for the first goal, while for the third Scotti served Camarda in behind.
Ignazio Abate build up vs NewcastleU19
Newcastle would either sit in a4-5-1 or press in a4-4-2,what Abate would do is bait their press,and use a 3rd man passing option,baiting them would move their defensiveline higher and Milan could attack Space behind.pic.twitter.com/kTu7UPgbRW— ꜱᴄᴏᴜᴛ7ᴄᴀʟᴄɪᴏ (@Scout7Calcio) September 20, 2023
The manipulation of Newcastle’s shape was key. Passing around the back makes sense if you have clear ideas, and Milan slowly baited their mid-block to move higher to force them to open spaces.
Chaka was positioned between the lines, while Magni pinned their right-back and it caused all kinds of problems with a big space opening up. From that position Traore can collect the ball on the turn and start a quick counter.
Abate manipulating/baiting Newcastle U19 4-5-1 Midblock
Passing around the back makes sense if you have clear ideas,we slowly baited the Midblock to move higher to force them to open spaces,and position Chaka between the lines,while Magni pinned their RB.pic.twitter.com/KJgMprbUUb— ꜱᴄᴏᴜᴛ7ᴄᴀʟᴄɪᴏ (@Scout7Calcio) September 20, 2023
Milan grooming Abate to take over from Pioli?
Abate💪
Can’t wait for Camarda to appear in the first team…
Still too young. But hopefully he can get an exception considering his contribution to the youth sector
😁😁😁