AC Milan’s preparations for the trip to Verona resumed today, following a Wednesday off granted by Massimiliano Allegri.
After speculation in the media in the days prior suggested that he would, the starting line-ups confirmed Allegri’s decision to switch to a 4-3-3 against Udinese. It featured an attacking trio of Alexis Saelemaekers and Christian Pulisic either side of Rafael Leao. Zachary Athekame came in at right wing-back.
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Our tactical analysis of the 3-0 loss to Kosta Runjaic’s side provides more of a detailed breakdown on the set-ups of the two teams and how Udinese were able to unpick Allegri’s plan, and it seems to have rendered the three-man attack a one-game experiment.
Return to type
La Gazzetta dello Sport confirm that Allegri is preparing to make changes to the side for the game against Hellas Verona, which essentially amount to a return to the ‘old’ 3-5-2 formation that has been used pretty much all season.
The Rossoneri coach will also stick with the ‘usual’ starting eleven as much as possible, with Matteo Gabbia likely to return to the defence after nearly two months of injury and surgery to resolve an inguinal hernia.
Fikayo Tomori – who was sacrificed against Udinese in favour of Athekame because of the formation change – is also expected to return to the starting XI. There are also changes anticipated in midfield, where Youssouf Fofana will start in place of Samuele Ricci.
3-4-3 when we have a guarantee of top 4?
Leao – Gimenez – Puli
Barte – Rabiot/Fofana – Modric – Saelemakers
Pavlovic – Gabbia – Tomori
Maignan
I like 343.
There is an issue with a lack of midfield cover but Gabbia can step up and play in that DM role.
The issue is Pavlovic likes to bomb forward and is usually one of the most threatening players.
Also Fofana and Rabiot have both contributed to goals.
The issue is the strikers. They’re getting chances but not offering anything in return.
They’ve all been terrible.
I’m at a bit of a loss who to play but maybe Pulisic and Gimenez.
Pleaae don’t fofana. He always out of position. Better Modri + rabiot + jashari. I think 4231 / 4321 its more balance.
3-4-3 is better suited for Leao as his talent in burst dribbling on d left flank….attacking wise will improve and goal contribution will rise….furthermore CF position to Santi maybe gives better guarantee of goals in comparison to Fulkrug/Nkunku.