The week’s work wrapped up yesterday morning with a friendly at Milanello between Milan and Padova, who are currently mid-table in Serie B. The match ended 1–1.
Result aside, Amorim was looking for tactical answers and for ways to keep his players sharp. Lorenzo Ossola, assisted by Loftus-Cheek, appeared on the scoresheet, while one of the standout performers was Milan Futuro youngster Diawara. The Futuro players helped make up the numbers, as the first team is currently without 15 internationals.
There was particular attention on the formation: a 4-2-3-1, a setup that confirms the coach is considering a perfectly viable alternative to the 3-4-2-1, perhaps as early as the next match against Sassuolo when the league resumes.
The starting XI was: P. Terracciano; Tomori, Gila, Gabbia, Diwara; Loftus-Cheek, Comotto, F. Terracciano, Idrissi, Hutchinson; Pulisic.
After the restart, Ossola, Pereira and Vos came on. Padova’s goal arrived late on through Sgarbi. Tomori and Diawara were able to play something close to a full competitive match, while Hutchinson was very lively and looked dangerous on several occasions.
As mentioned, the most significant point was the use of the 4-2-3-1, a system that had already been hinted at in the team’s most recent outing against Lecce, as relayed via La Gazzetta dello Sport in this morning's print edition.
