Milan Football Formation

Starting Lineup

V. Boniface (Santiago Gimenez) · Rafa Leao (Laurienté) · Pulisic (Saelemakers) · Youssouf Fofana (Samuele Ricci) · Ardon Jashari (W. Bondo) · Modric (Loftus-cheek/ Comotto) · S. Cardona (Bartesaghi) · Jimenez (Pubill) · G. Leoni (Tomori) · Pavlovic (Gabbia) · Maignan (Terracciano)

Milan focus on a direct and aggressive style of play using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup aims to win the ball back high up the pitch and use the pace of the forwards to hit opponents on the transition. The intent is to stretch the defence and create many moments of one on one situations for the attackers.

Maignan acts as the last line of defence in goal. The back line operates as a back five, with Modric and G. Leoni acting as the central defenders. Modric provides presence in the air and can step into midfield to help with possession. Pavlovic sits as the left centre back to cover space. Jimenez acts as an attacking wing back on the right side to provide width, while S. Cardona plays as a left wing back to overlap the winger. The whole defensive unit works to stay compact when sitting deep.

The midfield functions with a double pivot consisting of Ardon Jashari and Youssouf Fofana. Fofana is tasked to press aggressively and win the second ball to start attacks. Jashari plays to connect the defensive and attacking lines, often dropping deeper to receive the ball from the centre backs. These two players must work hard to cover the spaces left behind the wing backs and protect the central area.

Up front, the team uses three attackers to pin the opposition back line. V. Boniface acts as the lone striker and works to hold up the ball to bring others into play. Rafa Leao plays as an inverted winger on the left, using his dribbling style to cut inside and threaten the goal. Pulisic operates on the right wing, looking to get to the byline and deliver crosses. The forwards press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition.

This formation offers several tactical advantages. Milan can create wide overloads through the runs of Jimenez and S. Cardona. The presence of three attackers allows for quick transitions and creates numerical superiority in the final third during certain phases. The defensive unit also provides great compactness when the team drops into a low block to defend a lead.

Milan relies on a strong defensive foundation and rapid forward movements. This 5-2-3 is best suited for matches against teams that play with a high line and can be caught on the break.