AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli decided to deploy three central midfielders against Napoli and it worked to great effect, which could provide a clue in view of the future.
Calciomercato.com recall that Pioli ditched the three-man defence for the game at the Maradona with four at the back used and each of Sandro Tonali, Ismael Bennacer and Rade Krunic on the field rom minute one.
Last season he did similar by advancing Franck Kessie to work from the front in both phases, and while the Ivorian was not really replaced last summer it seems as though he has found a solution that offers balance.
The use of the Italian, the Algerian and the Bosnian midfielders asphyxiated Napoli by first of all cutting off their metronome Lobotka, pressing high up the field to win the ball back in positions that allowed for quick counter-attacks.
It was Bennacer who played ahead of the double pivot in Naples but in the past Krunic has played there, as has Tonali, while more recently he had tested Pobega there all in the search of finding some balance.
However, it could also be a sign ahead of next season. Brahim Diaz was moved to the right with devastating effect but a negotiation is needed with Real Madrid to keep him. Yacine Adli continues to be missing, while Charles De Ketelaere will stay given the investment made to sign him.
The Belgian must start running in order to carve out a place in a central role just as Tonali, Bennacer and Krunic do, which could be the hidden secret of a Milan that wants to sprint in April.
