The biggest plus of Massimiliano Allegri’s management is his work at sorting teams defensively. Now, AC Milan are seeing its success.
Last season, neither Paulo Fonseca nor Sergio Conceicao could sort out the Milan defence, which is why a frankly ridiculous number of combinations were tried at the back. Before the latter arrived, there had already been more than 10 different combos.
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Now, under Allegri, there is a bit of certainty at the back, even if the shape changes a little. The personnel remain the same, and whilst the ideas may shift in games, they are not unfamiliar.
In fact, the team either works in a back three or a back four; in either case, the Rossoneri are prepared, thanks to Fikayo Tomori’s work at right-back and as the right-sided central defender. Though other cogs are also massively important.
Allegri’s method
Under Allegri, as Calciomercato.com write, the team perceives danger and tries to prevent it earlier. In the first four Serie A games, his side have only conceded 1.01 xG against them, conceding only two goals. A fantastic figure.
However, they have tough tests yet to come. Bologna, or even Cremonese, were probably the biggest test so far. However, Napoli awaits this weekend, undoubtedly the scariest test of all in this early stage of the season.
Juventus, Fiorentina, Atalanta and Roma will then follow shortly, whilst the Derby della Madonnina grows closer.
