Milan Football Formation

Starting Lineup

De cuyper (A. Kabar) · Walker (Jimenez) · Lucumi (Pavlovic) · Maignan (Sportiello) · Comuzzo (Gabbia) · Samuele Ricci (Yunus Musah) · Youssouf Fofana (W. Bondo) · Reijnders (Habib Diarra) · Santiago Gimenez (F. Camarda) · Rafa Leao (Rayan Cherki) · Pulisic (Saelemakers)

Milan plays with a high press and plays vertically. This team looks to win the ball high up the pitch to launch quick attacks. The Milan lineup uses a 4-3-3 formation to stretch the defence and create space in the final third.

Maignan starts in goal to organize the defence and sweep behind a high line. The defenders operate in a high line to squeeze the space and keep the team compact. De cuyper and Walker act as attacking wing backs to provide width and overlap the winger. Lucumi and Comuzzo form the central duo in a flat back four. Lucumi is a ball playing defender who can play out from the back while Comuzzo works to defend zonally and win the second ball.

The midfield uses a three man unit to control the center and link the play. Youssouf Fofana acts as a carrier who drives forward with the ball to break the line. Samuele Ricci helps to recycle possession and shields the defence from central runners. Reijnders plays as an attacking ten to connect the defensive and attacking lines. He makes late runs into the box and is able to receive on the half-turn to play through the lines.

Santiago Gimenez acts as a lone striker to pin the last defender and hold up the ball. Rafa Leao and Pulisic operate as inverted wingers who cut inside to create chances in the middle. Leao uses his pace and dribbling to beat his man and drive at the defence. Pulisic carries the ball forward to draw defenders and find space. The forwards press the opposition back line to trigger a press and win the ball back high up the pitch.

The team gains a major advantage through speed of transition when they win it back high up the pitch. They create wide overloads from the overlapping runs of De cuyper and Walker. This allows the team to spread wide and isolate wide players in one on one situations. They also benefit from the ability to press in coordinated waves to force a long ball from the opponent.

This 4-3-3 is a high pressing formation designed for quick vertical attacks. It is best suited for facing teams that try to play short from the back under pressure.