During Milan’s match against Lecce, head coach Ruben Amorim showed tactical flexibility, and with that, he put to rest doubts over his alleged rigidity with the 3-4-2-1 system, a formation he had maintained almost without exception across 313 matches on the bench with Braga, Sporting CP, Manchester United and AC Milan.
Although the starting line-up followed the usual back-three setup, the Rossoneri switched to a back four in possession, with a shape that could be interpreted as either a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-4-2 depending on Pulisic’s position. Gila moved wide on the right as a full-back, preventing Chukwueze from having to cover the entire flank, while Estupiñán dropped deeper with Saelemaekers positioned ahead of him, as pointed out via Tuttosport.
The tactical adjustment was devised by Amorim after analysing previous encounters and opposition coach Eusebio Di Francesco’s tendency to adopt a more defensive approach at San Siro, with his wingers ready to drop back and form part of the defensive line. The move allowed the Portuguese coach to win the tactical battle and take a significant step towards the fluidity of play he is demanding from his team.
