Milan Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Santiago Gimenez (Jonathan David) · Rafa Leao (Laurienté) · Pulisic (F. Chiesa) · Reijnders (Mastantuono) · Samuele Ricci (Frendrup) · Youssouf Fofana (W. Bondo) · Theo (Bensebaini) · Walker (Jimenez) · Singo (Gabbia) · Mosquera (Pavlovic) · Maignan (Sportiello)

Milan looks to play a direct and vertical game through a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup relies on quick transitions and a high press to disrupt the opposition. By using a wide attacking front, the team aims to stretch the defence and create space for runners to exploit in the final third.

Santiago Gimenez starts between the posts to organize the back line. The defensive unit operates with a back three consisting of Reijnders, Samuele Ricci, and Youssouf Fofana. Reijnders acts as the central defender to sweep behind while Samuele Ricci and Youssouf Fofana hold the wider positions in the back three. Pulisic and Rafa Leao push high as attacking wing backs to provide width and support the attack. Pulisic uses his dribbling to carry the ball forward, while Rafa Leao uses his explosive pace to stretch the play. This formation allows the team to stay compact when defending in a mid-block.

In the middle of the pitch, Walker and Theo form a double pivot to control the tempo. Walker works to shield the defence and win the second ball, while Theo drives forward with the ball to connect the lines. Theo is known for his high energy and ability to overlap the winger. These two act as the engine room, looking to intercept passes and immediately distribute to the wide players or the striker.

The attacking unit features Singo, Maignan, and Mosquera working in tandem. Singo and Mosquera act as wide wingers who want to get to the byline and whip it in. Maignan occupies the role of a lone striker, tasked to hold up the ball and find the feet of the runners. The wingers look to cut inside to create overloads in the half-spaces, while the wing backs provide the necessary width to spread the opposition.

A major advantage for Milan is the ability to create wide overloads. When Pulisic and Rafa Leao overlap the wingers, they force the opposition to defend deep and narrow. Additionally, the team can press high in coordinated waves because of the proximity between the front three and the double pivot. This creates intense pressure that can force a long ball or a turnover in dangerous areas.

This 5-2-3 formation is built for a high-intensity game that favors quick transitions. It is best used against teams that play a high line and leave space behind their defenders.