Milan Football Formation

Starting Lineup

M. Maignan (16) · K. WALKER (32) · F. Tomori (23) · S. Pavlovic (31) · T. Hernandez (19) · Y. Fofana (29) · T. Reijnders (14) · C. Pulisic (11) · R. Leao (10) · J. FELIX · S. GIMENEZ (7)

Milan looks to dominate through high intensity and quick transitions using a 5-3-2 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball back high up the pitch and strike with immense speed. The team focuses on squeezing the space in the middle while using the width of the pitch to stretch the opposition.

M. Maignan plays behind a back five that can shift into a narrow defensive block. Y. Fofana and F. Tomori act as the central pillars, with F. Tomori providing recovery pace and Y. Fofana using his strength to win the second ball. S. Pavlovic sits as the left centre back to cover the space left by the wing back. T. Hernandez operates as an attacking wing back on the left, while K. WALKER pushes up high on the right to provide width. The defensive unit works to hold the line and force the opponent into wide areas where they can be trapped.

The midfield functions as a three man midfield with a carrier. T. Reijnders sits in the pivot to shield the defence and recycle possession. C. Pulisic moves into the half spaces to carry the ball forward and drive into the box. R. Leao operates from the left side of the midfield, using his dribbling to break the line and link the defensive and attacking units. This trio works to compress the midfield and press in pairs to win the ball back quickly.

In the attacking third, Milan uses two forwards in a partnership. J. FELIX plays as a second striker in the hole to link play, while S. GIMENEZ acts as the main presence to hold up the ball. The attacking unit relies on the movement of the wing backs to provide service. J. FELIX looks to find the feet of the striker or arrive late into the box to finish chances. The team often attacks in transition, using the pace of R. Leao and the movement of the forwards to hit the opposition in behind.

Milan finds success through the speed of transition and the ability to create wide overloads. The wing backs T. Hernandez and K. WALKER allow the team to switch play quickly and isolate wide players in one on one situations. This formation also provides a high level of compactness when defending a lead.

This 5-3-2 formation provides a solid base for a team that wants to strike on the counter. It is best suited for matches against opponents that play a high defensive line and leave space behind.