The first half that Milan (didn’t) play against Lazio has convinced Ruben Amorim that the team’s tactical transformation needs to be accelerated. As Gazzetta dello Sport highlights, after just four rounds there will be no definitive exclusions, but the coach will have to make more precise choices, primarily selecting the players best suited to his 3-4-2-1 system. Individual quality made the difference, and the second half at the Olimpico showed a Rossoneri side much closer to his footballing vision.
One of the main changes concerns the attacking midfield. Loftus-Cheek does not appear suited to playing in this role on a permanent basis despite his good pre-season, and Amorim is looking for technical players capable of combining in tight spaces behind Ramos. Following his performance against Lazio, Pulisic has shown that he can return to the starting XI. Cissé is also considered a certainty, while Hutchinson could earn more playing time if he rediscovers the form he showed two seasons ago.
It is on the flanks that Milan could place greater emphasis on attacking intent. Chukwueze and Moreira have shown that they can change the complexion of the team with their attacking thrust. Could Saelemaekers change roles again? The No. 56 could instead return to being used as a full-length wing-back, particularly on the left. In midfield, Musah is considered indispensable for his ability to win the ball back, while Rabiot is more convincing as a holding midfielder. Jashari and Modric will rotate alongside them, with the Croatian mainly set to feature in matches in which the Rossoneri are expected to have more possession. The defence requires fewer changes: Gila, De Winter and Pavlovic already provide physicality and aggression. Rotations will increase as the fixture schedule becomes more congested, but always while maintaining Amorim’s principles of play.
