AC Milan head coach Sergio Conceicao has made four changes to the starting XI for tonight’s game against Udinese, while also switching formations.
Following the 2-2 draw against Fiorentina, which made things even more difficult for Milan in the standings, they are in desperate need of three points tonight. The record at Stadio Friuli, however, is far from reassuring for the Rossoneri.
The official starting XIs
First of all, it must be pointed out that Conceicao has decided to switch from the usual 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 to a three-man backline, fielding a 3-4-3 formation this evening. As such, Theo Hernandez and Alex Jimenez – the starting wing-backs – will have to think less about defending.
In midfield, Youssouf Fofana and Tijjani Reijnders are teaming up (as you would expect) since they have been the most consistent midfielders lately. It will certainly be interesting to see how they will move in the new formation.
Up front, while Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao are starting on the flanks as expected, Conceicao has decided to give Luka Jovic the chance up front. Tammy Abraham is thus starting on the bench despite his good form lately, even if the Serbian has been in great form too.
Official AC Milan XI (3-4-3): Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlović; Jiménez, Fofana, Reijnders, Hernández; Pulisic, Jović, Leão
Bench: Sportiello, Torriani; Bartesaghi, Florenzi, Terracciano, Thiaw; Bondo, Musah; Abraham, Camarda, Chukwueze, Félix, Sottil.
Official Udinese XI (3-5-1-1): Okoye; Kristensen, Bijol, Solet; Ehizibue, Lovrić, Karlstrom, Atta, Kamara; Ekkelenkamp; Lucca.
Bench: Padelli, Sava; Giannetti, Kabasele, Palma; Modesto, Pafundi, Payero, Zarraga; Bravo, Pizarro.
I have actually forget Milan still have Terracciano.. lol
How come segia C see no hood in him
He played some decent matches under fonzy especially in the midfield
I think this is a winning formation and a winning side!
It’s one thing to have a winning formation on paper and it’s another thing to actually have tactics that make the winning formation to work.
Let me comment on Leao for a bit: I feel like some other coach would have found a way to free him of the defensive duty so he can cook in the attack. I hate that he doesn’t press but for all the times he’s been asked to press, he still doesn’t press. Maybe it’s just who he is ( and I don’t believe this part of my statement) and we need to tap into his main strengths. Just think of Zidane asking Ronaldo to press with the team. Or the current PSG coach whose name I can’t remember – asking Messi to press for Barcelona. Sometimes you just gotta find a way to exonerate one player from the defensive duty so he can be more effective in the offensive part.
I like this formation and I do hope it works but I see Jovic as a lone striker or is there going to be some variation to it? Remember Jovic not long ago said that he failed in some clubs cuz he was playing as a lone striker. Anyway let’s see what the cook tonight. I have a feeling we’re in for some delicious treats
So you want a coach who will free Leao from doing something that he isn’t doing anyway?
You just said that Leao isn’t doing his defensive duties, which mean he has freed himself, so what is stopping him from cooking in attack then?
Maybe he’s just not a good chef 🤣🤣🤣
Jovic go earn yourself that contract. I’m rooting for you
Hopefully we will be able to bag a good win today but hardly an easy bet to make considering we blow hot and cold on an consistent basis throughout the entire season. Even if the result doesn’t go our way the minimum I’ll accept is that we show a cut-throat approach throughout the entire match but it’s probably also too much to ask for from this lot of players.
Jovic doesn’t work as a sole striker. We’ve tried this experiment numerous times. As for the 3-4-3, I don’t know that this team is solid enough for that formation. Our CB’s haven’t operated in a three man line. For that matter they aren’t even effective in a back four.
Risky from Conceicao.
I always think that theo is not an lb. Hes an lwb or lw. Deschamp knows it. This formation is the best one for theo. I always wonder why theo always given a starter after everything hes done this season
Jovic is a good sub….let him be a good sub. (Hoping I get a reverse jinx 😉)
Rafa cooking!!
Our passes in the final third are too slow and poor …
Finally we see the team setup to suit the players we have and things go well.
Why did it take so long.
THIS is the formation we have needed
p.s never been a fan of 3 at the back
Me neither but lets see how we fare in the second half first but I do nevertheless think it was an acceptable first half compared to what we often has been forced to behold this season.
That was a rough collision..hope Mike is alright
Yeah it looked pretty nasty.
Have been saying this like forever, 4-2-3-1 isn’t the best formation for this team.
3-4-3 or 4-3-3 is more ideal, I’m not surprised in the slightest bit that we played well today.
For the first time, Conceicao ditched his stubborn approach and fielded a team according to the strength of its players.
Nice one.