The midfield is arguably the most crucial part of Stefano Pioli’s tactical approach at AC Milan, and the management are working to improve the department ahead of 2022-23.
La Gazzetta dello Sport report how Pioli has shown a willingness to adapt from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-1-4-1 or a 4-3-3 at times when the situation dictates, and in the win over Napoli it gave encouraging signs such as numerical superiority in the heart of the battle.
However, there will be some movement in that area ahead of next season and after the exit of Franck Kessie – which now seems certain – the situation surrounding Tiemoue Bakayoko will have to be monitored given he has struggled for minutes due to injury problems and the choices of the coach.
The Frenchman arrived from Chelsea on a two-year loan, but if his situation does not improve in the last two months of the season, Milan could part with him a year earlier than planned.
Yacine Adli meanwhile was bought last summer for €10m from Bordeaux but stayed their last season. His age (21) and technical characteristics (he can play both as a playmaker and as a mezzala) mean that Pioli is looking forward to welcoming him and will rely on him.
Finally, it will be necessary to understand what happens with Tommaso Pobega and although some sources have claimed he will definitely return from his loan at Torino to say, it remains a complicated situation with a lot of variables.
The certainty though is that the 22-year-old is having a very positive season with the Granata, where he has grown a lot in a tactical sense playing both in a double pivot and further forward. As there is no option to buy in his loan, Pobega will then return to Milanello and then the parties will refresh.
