Another transfer window has now been open for a few weeks and once again AC Milan have managed to create some optimism with their deals. Lucas Paqueta and Krzysztof Piatek have been brought in to much excitement. Both were given run-outs in the Serie A clash with Napoli on Saturday. This tactical analysis looks at the tactical trends of the game.
Teams
AC Milan lined up in their normal 4-3-3 under Gennaro Gattuso which saw new signing Lucas Paqueta partner Franck Kessie and on-loan Chelsea man Tiemoue Bakayoko in midfield. Goalscoring sensation Piatek started on the bench. Napoli missed the likes of Allan and Marek Hamsik which meant their team was really attacking with a central midfield duo of Piotr Zielinski and Fabian Ruiz looking to balance an attacking quartet of Insigne, Mertens, Milik and Callejon.
Milans build-up play
Milan have been given a lot of stick this season but they are fourth in Serie A despite having a squad few would consider among the top four squads. Its easy to argue for Juventus, Inter, Napoli and Roma having better squads, and possibly even Lazio too. Gattuso is therefore doing a pretty good job at the moment. One of their impressive aspects against Napoli was their possession play. Milan always looked to build from the back and they did it reasonably well against a good pressing side.
The below image highlights the basic setup whenever Milan tried to build from the back. Napolis 4-4-2 meant holding midfielder Bakayoko was always left free. Milan exploited this really well. In this first image we see how free he is as Napolis man-orientated pressing focuses on other players. The ball has been passed back to the goalkeeper.
The below image is a continuation on the above image. Donnarumma passes the ball to Bakayoko who instantly lays it off to Musacchio who can move forward with the ball. Napolis press has been broken. As Ive highlighted Ruiz is forced to make a long run to try and provide pressure on Bakayoko but the distance was too far and he made the run in vain.
Below is another example about h
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