AC Milan have played out the summer, and now the final steps are being taken before the return of the footballing season.
Since arriving in Milano, Massimiliano Allegri has had the chance to test a few different systems, each with different levels of success. Of course, it is possible that the Italian even throws a trump card. However, we can expect one of the tested systems to be put to use.
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The game against Bari should, in theory, be an easy fixture. But it is possible to be shocked, and San Siro will be expecting a performance, as Gazzetta dello Sport write (seen below).
Structure
At Milanello, the final preparations are being made, with Allegri and his team working on athletic drills and short games. Right now, there are no tactical situations being tested, largely because he remains unsure of which system to use.
A 4-3-3 and a 3-man defence are the current ideas, though the former may arrive later. For now, it may be a case of utilising tools and sticking with the 3-5-2, which allows fluidity and structure.
Playing time
No significant absences are waiting for him; in fact, he will have more available to him than he did last weekend. Christian Pulisic is ready to play, and whilst there are some fitness questions, he can go into this with a strong squad.
Luka Modric and Santiago Gimenez may not be able to play the full game. So, solutions may need to be found. Though this could be in the way of Rafael Leao and Pulisic leading the line, whilst the midfield is stacked enough to cover for the Croatian.
Youssouf Fofana, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Samuele Ricci could start, as could Alexis Saelemaekers and Pervis Estupinan. A backline of Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia and Strahinja Pavlovic is currently the idea.
Fofana starting with the WHOLE MIDFIELDERS SETUP being available. Comical from GdS
Or is it just Alegri deviously letting him know he’ll just appear in cups. 😈
Nope, I would expect one of the new players in the middle at most, along with RLC (for sure) and one of Musah and Fofana.
They’ve not had much time with the squad yet, plus for the first few games Modric and Jashari are useful tools be able to get the crowd going by bringing them off the bench. If we’re behind and need a lift or ahead and need some more control, their importance in that context will be good for the first few games.
Maybe another of them will start in the first Serie A games, but don’t expect Fofana, RLC and Musah to be excluded instantly just because we have some shiny new players, especially not in a cup game.
I wonder. A player that doesn’t know how to pass accurately.
did Fofana steal your credit card? stfu
It’s too bad noone wants to buy Fofana. Not surprising of course, but too bad.
But maybe Allegri can teach him something so he won’t be craptacular.
Well he wasn’t bad at all when he came. Not sure what happened to him towards the end of season and still ongoing.
He is not bad. It is just Milan fans doing what they do best, criticizing players for every mistake and ignoring the positives. We did the same with Reijndeers when he came and Leao too.
The entire team fell apart in the second half of the season. Fofana was one of the very few players from last season worth keeping.
Thank you my brother
He’s not for sale! and why on earth would
Milan sell him? Allegri knows what he is doing. He will do well this season.
I am so happy the opinions in this blog is so irrelevant no sane coach will ever read them
Allegri hasn’t fielded the A-Team yet because it hasn’t been available with pieces constantly missing, so I’m not even sure how good or functional it is. Guess we’ll find out.
That’s my worry too. One part of the A team played one game and then the other part played another. I’m very concerned going into the new season esp as we have alot of new players across the field not just midfield this time. Our first time our A team would be playing, hopefully, is the Copa prelim and then straight to the league afterwards.
He is bad. Through pass is a problem to him. He can’t do it well, watch him well please
Oh I’ve watched him in most games. As I mentioned, He was one of the few players that did well last season. Strong defensively presses well, and calm with the ball under pressure. Fance has one of the best group midfield players in world football and he’s played 25 times for France. You don’t play in that France team if you aren’t good. For e.g., Adli has played Zero games for France. Watch him well please!
Aril decided to play for Algeria not France.
Agree with you, I think those critics came from newly ac milan in the last 6 months… Hahaha.. Fofana is one of the performers last year.
Through balls? Hellooo… every player have their own style of play and characteristic. Like you expect Gattuso play the ball around and send killer pass to striker..
Fofana? Not sure why he is being criticized. He’s good enough for a fantastic France team and more than good enough for this Milan team. Only He, Pulisic and Reijnders were our only decent players last season. Everyone else, including Leao and Henandez were mediocre. Fofana will be better, surrounded by much better players.