The 4-3-3 formation, strongly called for in recent weeks especially by fans who wanted to see a more attacking and proactive AC Milan, is being shelved again after the disappointment of the defeat on Saturday against Udinese Calcio. On Sunday, away at Hellas Verona FC, the team will return to the familiar 3-5-2, the system used for practically the entire season which has allowed Massimiliano Allegri’s side to remain balanced and compact.
Gabbia returns:
This is reported this morning by 'Tuttosport', which also adds that in defence Matteo Gabbia should return to the starting line-up. He was back on the bench against the Friulian side after being out for around a month and a half. The Italian defender, developed in the Milan youth academy, is considered something of a talisman, as with him on the pitch AC Milan have only suffered one defeat among their seven losses this season across Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana (against US Cremonese on the opening day of the league season). Coincidence? Perhaps. Or perhaps not, because the former Villarreal CF player has a quality the other Rossoneri defenders lack: the ability to organise the back line.
United and compact:
After two consecutive setbacks against SSC Napoli and Udinese, the Rossoneri are eager to bounce back. Yesterday, the day training resumed at Milanello, the squad tried to regroup and restore some calm. Allegri had scheduled an optional team lunch, but the entire group attended, a clear sign that the players understand that the only way out of this difficult moment is together. The aim is to rediscover the Milan of a few weeks ago, and to do so the coach will try to provide certainties, such as the reassuring 3-5-2 system and the "good-luck charm" Gabbia.
