Milan Football Formation

Starting Lineup

PAVLOVIC (Bartesaghi) · M. THIAW (Gabbia) · TOMORI (??) · TONALI (RLc) · REIJNDERS (Fofana) · HERNANDEZ (??) · SAELEMAEKERS (Jimenez) · RAFAEL LEÁO (Okafor) · C. PULISIC (Chiesa) · GIMENEZ (??) · MAIGNAN

Milan focuses on a high press and rapid transitions using a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup aims to win the ball back high up the pitch and use verticality to hurt the opponent. The team wants to stretch the defence by using wide players and attacking through the half spaces.

Mike Maignan starts in goal to organize the back line. A back three consisting of Pavlovic, M. Thiaw, and Tomori provides a solid base. Tomori and M. Thiaw work to cover space and win headers, while Pavlovic acts as a ball playing defender to help build from the back. This defensive unit maintains a high line to squeeze the space and keep the team compact when they do not have the ball.

The midfield functions with a central pairing of Tonali and Reijnders. Tonali operates as a driver to carry the ball forward and connect the lines, while Reijnders helps to recycle possession and press in a mid-block. They are supported by wide midfielders Hernandez and Saelemaekers. Hernandez plays as an attacking wing back to provide width and overlap the winger, whereas Saelemaekers tracks back to help the defense and switch play to the other side.

In the final third, Milan uses three attackers to pin the last defender. Rafael Leão plays as an inverted winger on the left, using his dribbling style to cut inside and threaten the box. On the right, C. Pulisic acts as an inverted winger who looks to create chances or hit in behind on the transition. Gimenez operates as a pressing centre-forward to lead the line and hold up the ball for the runners. This attacking group works to create runs in behind and find the feet of the striker in tight spaces.

One major strength for Milan is the ability to create wide overloads through the movements of Hernandez and the wingers. The team also benefits from the speed of transition once Tonali or Reijnders win the ball in the middle. This allows the side to catch the opposition while they are out of position and move the ball quickly to the front line.

The 3-4-3 formation provides Milan with a high level of intensity in both boxes. This setup is best suited for games against teams that play a high line or struggle to deal with rapid counter attacks.