Milan Football Formation

Starting Lineup

16- M. Maignan
42- G. Scalvini*
46- M. Gabbia
34- R. Calafiori*
14- L. Modric
17- Rafael Leão
11- C. Pulisic
33- D. Bartesaghi
2- R. Bellanova*
19- Y. Fofana
12- A. Rabiot

Milan uses a 3-5-2 formation to dictate the tempo of the game through central control. This lineup is built to play a high press and control large areas of the pitch through a heavy presence in the middle. The goal is to use the width of the wingbacks to stretch the opposition while maintaining a compact core to prevent counter attacks.

M. Maignan starts in goal to organize the back line and sweep up long balls. The three central defenders consist of G. Scalvini, M. Gabbia, and R. Calafiori. G. Scalvini acts as a ball playing defender to start attacks from the back, while M. Gabbia provides aerial strength and cover in the center. R. Calafiori steps up to intercept passes and covers the space behind the advancing wingbacks. This defensive unit can drop into a low block or push high to squeeze the space between the lines.

The midfield operates with a single pivot and two central players to control the center of the pitch. L. Modric sits in the deepest role to shield the defense and break the line with his passing range. Y. Fofana and A. Rabiot operate as the central duo, with Y. Fofana using his pressing intensity to win the ball back and A. Rabiot driving forward to connect the defense to the attack. This three man unit provides the platform for the wide players to push higher up the pitch.

In the attacking phase, Milan utilizes two forwards supported by wide wingbacks. Rafael Leão and C. Pulisic operate as the two primary attackers. Rafael Leão uses his dribbling style to cut inside from the left, while C. Pulisic looks to find space and run behind the defense. R. Bellanova and D. Bartesaghi provide the width by overlapping the midfielders to deliver crosses into the box. This movement forces the opposing back line to shift constantly to track the runners.

One major strength of this formation is the ability to create numerical superiority in midfield through the central trio. The team can also use the wingbacks to create wide overloads, leaving the opposition full backs in difficult one on one situations. The coordination between the high press of the forwards and the recovery runs of the midfield allows Milan to regain possession quickly in advanced areas.

This 3-5-2 formation creates a very balanced team that can control the center of the park. It is best suited for games against teams that play a narrow formation and struggle to track wide runners.