Massimiliano Allegri’s return to Milan was purported to carry stability. As an alternative, after a turbulent summer season switch window, the coach finds himself on the heart of a tactical dilemma that would outline the membership’s season. With new arrivals reshaping the squad and accidents altering plans, Allegri has been compelled to rethink his system fully — and one among Milan’s greatest names, Christian Pulisic, is probably not thrilled about it.
As Tuttosport reported, the Rossoneri’s sporting director, Igli Tare, hinted earlier than the Lecce conflict that the membership will begin the marketing campaign with a three-man defence. That revelation has put into movement a cascade of questions: ought to Allegri proceed with the 3-5-2 he has examined all through preseason, or change towards a extra attacking 3-4-2-1? Both manner, compromises are coming. The most important unknown isn’t the protection — it’s the assault. Santiago Gimenez stays Milan’s solely pure striker, however his position will depend upon how Allegri aligns his supporting solid.
For Rafael Leao, a new problem beckons. As soon as thought-about untouchable on the left wing, Allegri is now making ready to make use of him centrally. He has already experimented with Leao as a lone ahead, in addition to in a partnership. In truth, La Gazzetta dello Sport wrote: “For Leao, Max has the quantity 9 position in thoughts. An atypical one, however nonetheless on the coronary heart of the assault.”
Alongside him, Christopher Nkunku arrives because the Rossoneri’s most costly signing of the summer season, a $43 million funding that offers Allegri a flexible weapon. Nkunku can function as a false 9, a second striker, and even deeper as an attacking midfielder. Allegri admitted after the Lecce sport: “I don’t know the place I’ll use him. It relies on the match and the opponent.”
If the ahead line is unsettled, the midfield is equally difficult. Adrien Rabiot seems untouchable, with Allegri having pushed onerous for his signing. Luka Modric, introduced in for his expertise, might require the safety of a three-man midfield. Samuele Ricci and Youssouf Fofana provide dynamism, whereas Alexis Saelemaekers might show important on the flanks. The depth means the supervisor should select between steadiness and creativity. In a 3-5-2, there’s room for extra midfield safety, however in a 3-4-2-1, sacrifices will must be made.
The Pulisic query
That is the place the thriller deepens — and the place Christian Pulisic enters the controversy. The American was one among Milan’s most constant performers final season, thriving within the 4-3-3 system that Allegri has now deserted.
Within the 3-5-2, Pulisic could possibly be the one to lose his assured beginning spot. Allegri might ask him to reinvent himself — both as a second striker, an attacking midfielder, and even shifted large in a extra defensive position. None of these positions displays the place he has been simplest.
As Tuttosport defined, Allegri’s tactical calls might “sacrifice Pulisic on the flank, permitting Nkunku and Leao to kind a high-speed pairing up entrance.” That actuality might not sit effectively with the USMNT star, who anticipated to be a central determine once more this 12 months.
As Allegri experiments, Pulisic stands out as the participant compelled to regulate essentially the most — or threat being not noted of key video games. What’s clear is that the skilled Italian boss has staked the membership’s id on a system that strikes away from final season’s 4-3-3. The tactical shift explains why Milan deserted their pursuit of a standard No.9 and as an alternative wager on Nkunku.
The gamble might repay spectacularly, with Leao remodeled into a contemporary center-forward and the Frenchman given freedom to roam. Nevertheless it might additionally create friction, particularly if one among Milan’s established stars — like Christian Pulisic — begins to really feel sidelined.
