Home » CM: Allegri could revert Milan to 4-3-3 when Leao and Pulisic return – the idea

CM: Allegri could revert Milan to 4-3-3 when Leao and Pulisic return – the idea

With Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao returning, AC Milan have a much healthier-looking front line. As a result, they could be used in their more natural positions again.

The idea to play a 4-3-3 with Milan was there from the start for Massimiliano Allegri. In fact, he actually started with the formation before changing to a 3-5-2 after the first game of the season. Since then, with the Rossoneri unbeaten, he has not looked back.


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However, there have been more than a few suggestions that he could actually revert to a 4-3-3 at some point in the year.

Allegri’s idea to change

With returns up top, it seems that these suggestions could come to fruition soon. Calciomercato.com reports that with Leao, Pulisic and even Santiago Gimenez getting ready to come back, Allegri’s attacking choices look to be in a great position.

As a result, he would have more freedom to have three attackers on the pitch, whilst also having options to look to on the bench, should he need to. Something which he has not often had available to him.

Of course, there is also the fact that his team have experimented with a four defender system during games already this year. This is something that the Italian wants to make a more common orientation for his team, indeed.

Tags AC Milan Massimiliano Allegri

20 Comments

    1. You’re right. But don’t you want to get the best out of your two best offensive players? I know we’re in 2nd place. I just don’t believe it’s a long term strategy to win trophies. People are writing off the two Italian trophies ACM didn’t win. Sorry, that to me is a losing attitude one I’m sure the players don’t hold.

      1. I agree that we should go 4-3-3 because it puts our best players on the field at the same time. I understand we he isn’t … we are in 2nd place with one loss playing with 2 up top

          1. Exactly, destabilizing the defense is the worst thing to do right now.
            Allegri fixed the midfield problems that plagued us the last 3-4 seasons last summer. He didn’t have the money to fix ALL the problems.
            Fixing the defense will be a problem for 2026 summer, but in order to get there you need to earn UCL qualifications so that you have the money to fix said defense. De Winter was an Allegri and Tare buy, and he’s already the best defender of the bunch. Pavlovic, Gabbia and Tomori all need to be shown the door for better defenders IMHO.

    2. of course not. But he wont because he is a results first coach. Even more so, because he is a defensive minded coach. He wont destabilize a working solid defensive unit in the last few rounds of the season. He will surely try it in the offseason and going into the new season. But right now, he’s all about getting the results.

  1. Leao – Gimenez – Puli
    Nkunku – Fulkrug – Alexis (not best position for him)

    midfield still 3 men so no change*

    Barte – Pavlovic – Gabbia – deWinter
    Estupinan – Tomori – deWinter* – Athekame

    Gabbia, Pavlovic and Alexis will all be in a weird positions now and Nkunku was also starting to function well in 2 men attack… defense only worked this well, compared to last year, due to 5 being in the back… only Pavlovic and Tomori are fast but none have good decision making for high line

    1. It’s still going to be Salad as RB. He’s earned it and just signed a contract extension. We’d be rewinding the clock to 2024 with him. We don’t need an exact depth chart, despite technically being a winger short. Nkunku can play on both flanks and so can Pulisic.

    1. Same thought. I wonder why he never tried it. I suspect our midfielders aren’t physically and technically strong enough for that. On paper, only Rabiot is suitable.

  2. Well, a good team with a good coach should be able to play different styles and formations depending on the opponent. But Allegri is not that guy.

  3. Even though we have the attacking personnel for a 433, I don’t think Max has enough faith in our CB’s for 4 at the back and I can’t blame him.

  4. I agree with Allegri playing the 4-3-3 formation yes
    M.maignan
    Athekame,dewinter, Pavlovic, batasaghi
    Samuele Ricci,Fofana,modric
    Saelamakers, fullkrug,Rafael leao
    Then look at 4-2-3-1 this way
    M.maignan
    Tomori,Gabbia, Pavlovic,estupinan
    Fofana, rabiot
    Salemakers,pulisic/Nkunku,leao
    Gimenez

    But if you look at the 4-2-3-1 the central defender know as Gabbia or Pavlovic will play the ball direct to the striker, then Milan players launching attack immediately with double pressing the opponent midfield to their box. Not allowing the opponent to hold the ball at all the the attacking midfielder becomes super active supporting the wingers such as leao and salemakers to score goals.

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