Milan Football Formation

Starting Lineup

KIMMICH (20) · THEO H. · PAVLOVIC (25) · F. TOMORI · S. TONALI (20) · REIJNDERS · LOFTUS-CHEEK · S. GIMENEZ (40) · RAFAEL LEÁO · C. PULISIC · MAIGNAN

Milan focus on a high press and verticality within a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and strike with speed before the opposition can settle. The goal is to use the width of the pitch to stretch the defense while maintaining a compact central block when out of possession.

Mike Maignan plays behind a back five that can shift into various defensive lines. F. Tomori and Pavlovic act as the central defenders, with F. Tomori using his recovery speed to cover space while Pavlovic provides aerial strength. S. Tonali sits in the middle of the back line to play out from the back and link play to the midfield. The wide defenders, Theo H. and Kimmich, operate as attacking wing backs. Theo H. likes to carry the ball forward on the left, while Kimmich provides balance and support on the right.

The midfield operates as a two-man engine room. Loftus-Cheek and Reijnders act as the central pair to connect the defense to the attack. Reijnders works to recycle possession and find passing lanes into the forwards, while Loftus-Cheek uses his power to drive forward with the ball. This duo must work hard to squeeze the space between the lines and prevent the opponent from playing through the center. They are responsible for winning the second ball and immediately looking to find the front three.

In the final third, Milan uses three attackers to pin the opposition back. S. Gimenez acts as the lone striker, playing to hold up the ball and bring others into play. On the flanks, Rafael Leão and C. Pulisic provide massive threat as wide attackers. Rafael Leão uses his dribbling style to beat defenders on the wing, while C. Pulisic cuts inside to create goalscoring chances. These players often look to isolate opponents in one on one situations to create openings for runs in behind.

This formation offers Milan several tactical advantages. The presence of attacking wing backs like Theo H. creates wide overloads that pull the opposing defense apart. The high press from the front three can trigger a press in coordinated waves to win the ball back high up the pitch. Additionally, the back five provides great compactness when defending against teams that want to play through the center.

Milan utilizes this 5-2-3 to dominate games through quick transitions and wide attacking threats. It is a formation best suited for facing teams that play a high line or leave space behind their midfield.