Milan Football Formation

Starting Lineup

S. GIMENEZ · RAFAEL LEÁO · C. PULISIC · S. TONALI · REIJNDERS · PELLEGRINI · THEO H. · PAVLOVIĆ · M. THIAW · K. WALKER · MAIGNAN

Milan focuses on winning the ball high up the pitch and hitting teams in transition using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to play with high intensity to squeeze the space in the opponent half and create quick attacking movements. The goal is to use the width of the pitch to stretch the defence before playing through the lines.

MAIGNAN operates between the posts to command his area and start attacks. The defensive unit sits in a back five consisting of S. TONALI, M. THIAW, and PAVLOVIĆ. S. TONALI acts as a ball playing centre back to help play short from the back while M. THIAW and PAVLOVIĆ provide aerial strength and cover. K. WALKER plays as an attacking wing back on the right to provide width and THEO H. acts as a left wing back to overlap the winger. This unit functions to stay compact and shift across the pitch to deny the turn to opposition attackers.

The midfield works as a double pivot to control the centre of the pitch. REIJNDERS and PELLEGRINI occupy the central spaces to connect the defence and attack. REIJNDERS works to receive on the half-turn and recycle possession while PELLEGRINI acts to press aggressively to win the ball high. They must be ready to drop into a mid-block if the first line of pressure is bypassed, ensuring they protect the central zone and pick up runners from deep.

In the final third, Milan uses three attackers to pin the last defender. S. GIMENEZ operates as a pressing centre-forward to lead the line and find the feet of the striker. On the flanks, RAFAEL LEÁO acts as an inverted winger on the left to cut inside and use his dribbling style, while C. PULISIC plays as an inverted winger on the right to create chances. The wing backs push high to support them, allowing the forwards to combine in tight spaces or knock it in behind the defence.

This formation offers significant tactical advantages through the use of wide overloads from the wing backs and the attacking wingers. Milan can also achieve numerical superiority in the attacking third when THEO H. and K. WALKER join the forward line. The ability to press in pairs from the front allows the team to win the second ball and launch rapid attacks.

Milan relies on a high press and rapid transitions to dominate games. This formation is best suited for facing teams that play a high line and struggle to defend against quick runners.