Milan Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Pavlović (Gabbia) · Estupinan (Bartesaghi) · Modrić (Ricci) · Pellegrini (Fofana) · Jashari (Loftus Cheek) · Nkunku (Gimenez) · R. Leao (Saelemaekers) · C. Pulisic (F. Chiesa) · Tomori (Gomez) · Athekame (De Winter) · Maignan (Terraccianno)

Milan prefers to play a direct and vertical brand of football using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup aims to use the width of the pitch to stretch the opposition before hitting them on the break. By employing a deep defensive line, the team seeks to absorb pressure and then transition quickly through wide areas.

Mike Maignan starts in goal to organize the defensive unit. The back line consists of a back five featuring Modrić, Tomori, and Pavlović as the central defenders. Tomori provides aerial strength and recovery speed to cover space behind the line, while Pavlović sits alongside him to win the second ball. Athekame acts as the right wing back to provide width, while Estupinan plays as the left wing back to overlap and whip it in from the flanks. The defensive unit works together to maintain a compact shape when sitting deep.

The midfield functions as a double pivot with Jashari and Pellegrini occupying the central roles. Jashari plays to shield the defence and disrupt the opposition in the middle of the park. Pellegrini works to carry the ball forward and connect the defensive line to the attack. These two midfielders must work hard to track back when the team loses possession and ensure the space between the lines is not exploited.

Up front, Milan utilizes three attackers to pin the opposition back. Nkunku acts as a pressing centre-forward to force long balls and disrupt the build up play of the opponent. R. Leao operates as an inverted winger on the left, looking to cut inside and find the feet of the striker or drive toward the goal. C. Pulisic plays on the right, providing a threat when he runs in behind or looks to play one-two combinations with Athekame.

This 5-2-3 formation offers significant tactical advantages, particularly in wide overloads. With Estupinan and Athekame pushing high, they create numerical superiority against opposing full backs. The team also benefits from high speed of transition, allowing them to hit teams in behind before they can get organized.

The Milan lineup is built to exploit teams that play with a high defensive line. It is best suited for matches where the team needs to stay compact and strike with pace on the break.