👀 Milan, back to the MAX: four at the back and star attack, Allegri’s plans | OneFootball

The last trophy - the Coppa Italia with Juventus - Massimiliano Allegri won using his usual 3-5-2. A well-known formation, which even Milan approached during Conceicao's last period to try to save a season that was shaping up to be a failure.

Different offensive development, but similar setup. These two clues would suggest a Milan with a three-man defense in the near future, but the truth might be different: the coach from Livorno seems to have other plans in mind and could return to the past. And no, it doesn't necessarily mean "short nose".

🤔 Three-man defense or return to 4-2-3-1? Allegri's ideas

The 3-5-2 has been his strong suit for a long time, it's true, but Allegri is a coach who knows how to adapt to the players he has available, and at Milan, the best solution would be to return to a four-man defense.

4-2-3-1, 4-3-3, or 4-3-1-2. The tactical attire of the new Devil is not yet known - everything will depend on the market -, but the options available to the coach from Livorno are certainly not lacking. Let's put some order.

🧱 Certainties and uncertainties in defense

In goal, there will be the usual Mike Maignan: after a complicated start, the French goalkeeper has returned to being Magic, convincing the management to renew his contract expiring in 2026. The signature hasn't arrived yet, but the trust is there.

On the other hand, Theo Hernandez's future is more uncertain. The left-back has struggled with the difficult moment of the Rossoneri club and has been a negative protagonist of a season below expectations. He too will expire next summer, but unlike the number one, a departure seems more likely. His renewal is a central theme for Allegri as well, who will have to understand if he can count on him or look for a valid alternative in the market.

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The rest of the defense we can already imagine. Pavlovic is a guarantee, Gabbia is the starting point to build an Italian Milan, and on the right, Alex Jimenez has convinced everyone. The future of Thiaw and Tomori needs to be understood: one of the two could leave in the summer. Walker, on the other hand, will most likely return to City - but Guardiola has already said he won't stay -.

👀 Reijnders to City: the market depends on him

If the defensive department won't change much, the same cannot be said for the Rossoneri midfield. Fofana has everything to become a fundamental piece in Allegri's chessboard, Loftus-Cheek, if in shape, can make a difference, and it's no coincidence that the "Best Midfielder of Serie A" award was given to Reijnders.

Here, precisely Reijnders. Everything, or at least a large part of Milan's market, will depend on him. Guardiola's Manchester City wants him at all costs, and if he were to leave - which is very likely - he would leave a huge gap that would have to be filled with the money received (about 60/70 million is being discussed). The main candidate to take his place is Samuele Ricci, who has more of a playmaker's characteristics and would be perfect for a 4-3-3.

🃏 Stellar attack and a "wild card"

Finally, in attack, Milan can count on players of great respect. Just the way Max likes them. The former Juve coach has built a successful career thanks to his ability to manage important locker rooms, and this is what gives Rossoneri fans hope. Leao, Gimenez, and Pulisic already form a stellar attack.

If we add the possible return to Milan of Alexis Saelemaekers, then the game becomes "simpler". The Belgian winger, who exploded on loan at Roma, is a perfect player for Allegri: versatility and quality are his calling cards, and with him on the field, Milan would have endless solutions.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.

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