Clinical counter-attacks: How Lazio outwitted Pioli’s naive Milan with pace and intelligence – tactical analysis

The Serie A fight for European spots continued with Lazio’s intelligent 3-0 win over Milan. Stefano Pioli’s team, who spent a few months at the top of the league freed the leading spot for Inter and are currently fighting for their fifth-place which will secure them a Europa League contribution. Lazio on the other hand seem to have the same plans and earned important three points in their efforts to bypass the Rossoneri who are currently level at points with Juventus.

Lazio’s intelligent strategy to invite the pressure in their own half and catch the opposition on counter worked perfectly, with Pioli’s side continuously overcommitting to their build-up and attacking actions, leaving spaces behind that cost them the game.

Zlatan Ibrahimović’s absence was crucial for Milan and the Rossoneri struggled in converting their chances into goals. It wasn’t only a matter of poor finishing but also of Lazio’s well-structured defence who managed to keep their opponents away from the box which forced them into shooting from distance.

This tactical analysis examines what when wrong for Milan and how Simone Inzaghi’s tactics led the team to an important victory.

Line-ups and formations

Inzaghi set Lazio up in their usual 3-5-2 formation and fully stuck to their main traits. The goal was covered by Pepe Reina, while the back-three was formed by Ştefan Radu, Francesco Acerbi and Adam Marušić who brilliantly managed to stop most of Milan’s efforts in the box. In midfield, the manager relied on Senad Lulić, Luis Alberto, Sergej Milinković-Savić and Manuel Lazzari. Leiva had a pivotal role in the central areas, stopping the opposition’s attack successfully and being a huge support to the backline, contributing with defensive duels and interceptions. Upfront the team relied on Joaquín Correa and Ciro Immobile who didn’t disappoint, and both turned Lazio’s team efforts into goals.

Gianluigi Donnarumma was on the goal for Milan, with Theo Hernández, Fikayo Tomori, Simon Kjær and Davide Calabria in defence. The defensive midfield was covered by Franck Kessié and Ismaël Bennacer who were key during transitions.

Th