Monza boss Raffaele Palladino has explained a couple of the tactical changes that he made in order to get the better of AC Milan during last night’s 4-2 win.
During the build-up to the game all the reports that were circulating suggested that Monza would line up with a three-man defence, two wing-backs, a double pivot in midfield, two attacking midfielders and a centre-forward, therefore a 3-4-2-1 system.
Instead when the game got underway it became very clear they were actually mirroring Milan’s 4-2-3-1 formation, a bold move perhaps but one which yielded the desired results as they were 2-0 up at the break before the red card and deficit made the Rossoneri go more direct.
In the end the Brianzoli captured all three points thanks to two late goals from Bondo and Colombo, marking the first time they have beaten Milan since getting promoted to the top flight, and the first time in Serie A history they’ve scored four goals.
Palladino spoke at his post-match press conference after the win against Milan to assess what was a very positive night for his side albeit a dramatic one, with his comments relayed by TMW.
Is the icing now on the cake after beating a big team like Milan?
“I asked for a perfect game and it was a perfect evening. Exciting to win with a good comeback. During the week I had seen the right attitude from my players who deserved an evening like this.
“They had enormous motivation and for this reason the victory is more beautiful and deserved. Congratulations to the attackers who were the first defenders, nice to see them sacrifice themselves for the team.”
Is this the best victory of your career?
“I don’t know if it’s the most beautiful but it’s certainly the one that gave me the most emotions. During the week we worked 12 hours a day, debating whether or not to change the formation. My players are very intelligent because they were able to interpret a different formation than usual.
“Having also taken a step forward from the point of view of maturity, I honestly didn’t like the management in the second half and having taken the draw. But Monza have a huge heart and I’m happy with what happened then.”
Carefree and courage, qualities you asked for from the team. Did you see them?
“We wanted to win it, yes, then with Milan with 10 men we tried. We could have won it or lost it at 2-2, it was borderline. They both wanted to win. Some restarts weren’t done in the best way but I’m still satisfied.”
When did you decide to change formation and play with the 4-2-3-1?
“The change of formation was decided on Wednesday, then after seeing Milan against Rennes on Thursday the final decision was made. We played direct because we thought it was the best way. And my players were very good at interpreting the formation and match well.
“They also came at us hard but my team were very good at understanding when to go vertical, how to go vertical, when to lean on Djuric instead and how to manage the second balls.
“We also managed the flanks where Milan were limited well. My players were very good. The victory is for the president Silvio Berlusconi, he would have been happy with us and this success.”
Mota was the best on the pitch. Was he the Rafael Leao of the evening? And how important is Colombo’s goal?
“No, he seemed like Mota Carvalho to me. In fact, I’ll tell you more: last night we texted and he told me that he would score a goal. Now I told him why he still doesn’t do it (laughs). He must continue like this now, because he is a very strong footballer.
“Colombo [wanted to show that he] had to play as a starter, he went to two thousand like his teammates. He put me in difficulty, for me it’s an advantage. He was so motivated and I’m really happy because he came in and made the difference. So good.”
Are Monza aiming to improve their position in the table now?
“We want to continue to fight, grow and amaze. And demonstrate that we are clearly growing. We enjoy the moment but we cannot define our position in the standings.
“Honestly, the journey is beautiful, in a year and a half of Serie A we beat Milan, Inter, Roma and Juventus. It means that the club are doing excellent things.”
Pioli:
Tactical changes!
What’s that?
Yeah it’s Piolis fault again because Thiaw it’s a flop and can’t do some proper basic CB work.
Also Pioli fault because Adli lost so many balls on the center.
Also Pioli’s fault because Maignan can’t protect that near post again, on the 4th goal, look at the Colombo’s goal. Also remember the Zirkzee goal? Aaaaand I don’t say Maignan is not a good goalkeeper! It is and he had a lot of solid performances for Milan, buut my dude, in the last period of time is not him anymore.
But guys, remember…
It’s always Pioli’s fault!
Maybe Pioli is gonna leave in the summer and then who you all will continue to point as the only reason for Milan’s failure?!
I don’t want to take his part so much but you guys are already annoying as hell, the man has done a lot of mistakes but yesterday it was the last one to be blamed. Monza scored 5 goals in the last 2 months and also yesterday scored 4 against us.
Sit deep, wait patiently, do a quick counter and vertical transition. Never a secret to beat Pioli’s Milan
That’s fact tho