AC Milan once again changed formations for the game against Napoli and it paid dividends with a 4-0 win at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
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MilanNews recall how Milan outclassed the league leaders in their own home and it could have even been a wider margin of victory, but in a strange paradox the result must be parked to one side because it would be silly to think that in the Champions League it will be so easy.
The tactical device that caught the eye more than the others is that of Rafael Leao, who looked back to his best out on the left wing, but also the fact that Brahim Diaz operated on the opposite flank.
The last time the Spaniard played as a right winger was against Juventus, a match in which Milan put on a show and won comfortably and he was among the best performers, scoring the second goal.
The switch from a 3-4-2-1 back to a 4-2-3-1 was to try and bring balance and a tactical identity back to Milan’s play in possession and it certainly succeeded, while waiting to see how Charles De Ketelaere might fit in.
The 4-2-3-1 seen at Maradona is very fluid and was often outlined as a 4-3-3 which in the build-up phase. Ismael Bennacer pushed further up to pin Lobotka, while Rade Krunic and Sandro Tonali were deeper, but the three in general gave intensity to the midfield department.
While getting the best out of those available, Pioli is now called upon to try and get players like De Ketelaere in form, who cannot be overlooked between now and the end of the season.
