The news from yesterday is that Alvaro Morata is available but is unlikely to start from the first minute. As highlighted by Gazzetta dello Sport this morning, the Spanish striker has a fundamental role within the new tactical setup of the Rossoneri, and his position between midfield and attack, just behind Abraham, has significantly contributed to improving the defensive performances of the Rossoneri in recent outings.
Tonight, the number 7 is expected to start on the bench, making way for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who will effectively take on the same position but has very different characteristics compared to Alvaro.
The Germans, like Inter, will face a four-man defense in the first possession, but Milan, as the newspaper states, must be good at dropping back and protecting Fofana, who is growing significantly in terms of breaking up play. A lot of running and sacrifice will be needed.
To defend, however, the original idea and what Fonseca truly aspires to is defending with ball possession. Several times in these months with the Rossoneri, the Portuguese coach has reiterated that a good defensive phase also depends on how and how much a team keeps the ball at their feet. The all-out pressing of Atalanta in the Europa League final is unsustainable; circulating the ball to activate Leao, Theo, and Pulisic on the wings is feasible.
The spaces will need to be opened by Abraham, who will find himself alone doing this work. Additionally, the Rossoneri can rely on fresher forces: the Rossoneri played one day earlier in the league compared to Leverkusen and had a match against Lecce that was significantly less demanding than Bayer's match at Bayern Munich.
