A very bad, extremely disappointing defeat for Milan at the Maradona Stadium. The Rossoneri did not play like they should and were narrowly beaten by a Napoli side that has now claimed second place in the league.
Massimiliano Allegri’s 3-5-2 formation failed to punish or convince, just as the unusual attacking partnership of Fullkrug and Nkunku did not inspire confidence. This brings us back to a key issue that had already been discussed ahead of last night’s match: the change of formation that, for instance, against Torino had offered new solutions for the Rossoneri, as relayed via Milan News.
Speaking on this topic in the post-match interview, Allegri said: "It’s a solution we could see from the first minute, but it always depends on fitness. Pulisic returned on Friday, Leao has been out for twelve days and has only done two half-training sessions. Starting with the three upfront… maybe I could have decided to break the game earlier, at the 70th minute, but I preferred to carry it a little further."
"But the wide players need to be in good condition. Unfortunately, Rafa started very well this year and then suffered a series of injuries that held him back, and he has only done two half-training sessions. It’s important for him to regain his condition because we need everyone; we’re in the final stretch of the season."
It is clear, then, that this idea is very much on Max’s mind. Just as there was intellectual honesty in acknowledging that to field such an attacking formation, the right offensive qualities are required. The team must be able to exploit the wings and have players capable of changing the course of a game.
Rafa Leao alone is not enough, especially if he alternates excellent performances with poor ones. The 4-3-3 could be a plan for the future, but it can only work with the right pieces, suited to a new tactical setup that Allegri wants to try in order to provide a valid alternative to this 3-5-2, which in certain matches seems of limited use. For now, there is a Champions League qualification to defend; everything else can wait.
