Milan Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Pulisic (K. Karetsas) · Alajbegovic (Chukwueze) · Gonçalo Ramos (Nkunku) · Pavlovic (Bartesaghi) · Gonçalo Iñacio (Gabbia) · Mario Gila (De Winter) · Maignan (Torriani) · Saelemakers (Athekame) · Adrien Rabiot (Samuele Ricci) · Luka Modric (A. Jashari / Comotto) · Maxi Araujo (Estupinian)

Milan relies on a high press and fast transitions within a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup aims to win the ball high up the pitch and exploit spaces quickly once the turnover happens. The team looks to control the middle areas while using extreme width in the attacking phase to stretch the opposition.

Maignan stays between the posts to organize the defensive unit. The back line operates as a back five with Mario Gila acting as the right centre-back and Pavlovic as the left centre-back, while Gonçalo Iñacio sits in the middle to sweep behind the line. Saelemakers plays as an attacking wing back on the right to provide width, whereas Maxi Araujo operates as the left wing back. The defensive unit works to squeeze the space between the lines and hold a high line to keep the team compact.

A double pivot makes up the midfield to provide control and stability. Luka Modric operates as one of the central midfielders, using his passing range to find teammates and move the ball forward. Adrien Rabiot plays alongside him to shield the defence and cover ground in the middle. These two connect the back five to the front three, with Modric often looking to drive forward with the ball or recycle possession to keep the tempo under control.

The attacking front line uses three attackers to pin the opposition back. Gonçalo Ramos acts as the lone striker, working to hold up the ball and link up play with the wider players. Pulisic operates as an inverted winger on the left, looking to cut inside and create chances, while Alajbegovic stays wide on the right. The wingers push high to support the striker, and the wing backs like Saelemakers and Maxi Araujo overlap the wide players to create numerical superiority in the final third.

This formation offers Milan the ability to press high in coordinated waves to force turnovers. The use of wing backs allows for wide overloads that can isolate defenders in one on one situations. Because of the five defenders, the team maintains compactness when defending and is very difficult to break down through the middle.

Milan uses this lineup to dominate through aggressive pressing and rapid vertical movement. This setup is best suited for matches against teams that play a high line or struggle to handle wide overloads.