Milan Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Buffon Gigione · Maldini · Y. Osorio · Costacurta · Tassotti · Gerson · Kucka · Gervinho · Dybala · Rebić · Inzaghi

Milan plays with a vertical identity using a 4-3-3 formation. This lineup is built to strike quickly on the break and use the pace of the attackers. The team looks to bypass the midfield and find the forwards in space to catch opponents.

Buffon Gigione sits between the posts to command the area. The back line operates as a flat back four. Tassotti plays as the right back to support the wide areas, while Maldini operates at left back with his positional sense and tackling. In the middle, Y. Osorio and Costacurta form the central defensive pairing. Costacurta is tasked to cover and intercept, while Y. Osorio stays tight to the striker. The defensive unit works to keep the line high to squeeze the space.

The midfield works as a three man midfield with an attacking ten behind the striker. Dybala operates in the hole as the advanced playmaker to create chances with his passing range. Kucka and Gerson play as the two deeper midfielders to link the play. Kucka drives forward with the ball and presses aggressively to win the ball. Gerson sits to shield the defense and recycle possession. This formation allows the team to move the ball from the back to the front quickly.

Up front, the team uses three attackers across the front. Gervinho and Rebić act as wide wingers to stretch the defense. Gervinho looks to cut inside to create shooting lanes, while Rebić uses his pace to run at defenders. Inzaghi plays as a pressing centre-forward who focuses on movement in the box. Inzaghi is known for his runs in behind and finishing. The forwards press from the front to squeeze the space while the team looks to hit in behind on the transition.

This Milan formation offers great speed of transition when winning the ball. The ability to play through the lines with Dybala creates many chances. The team can also use the wide players to create one on one situations and wide overloads.

This 4-3-3 relies on quickness and direct attacking movements. It is best suited for facing teams that play a high line and leave space for runs in behind.