As AC Milan kicks off its pre-season under the newly re-appointed Massimiliano Allegri, the football world is buzzing with curiosity. Whispers from Singapore suggest a tactical masterclass in the making, with Allegri already shuffling his pack and testing his stars in unexpected roles.
The return of Massimiliano Allegri to the AC Milan dugout was always going to be an intriguing chapter. Known for his tactical pragmatism and an uncanny ability to squeeze results from his squads, Allegri`s second tenure begins not with grand declarations, but with quiet, calculated experimentation. As the Rossoneri prepare for their first major pre-season test against Arsenal in Singapore, followed by a clash with Liverpool in Hong Kong, the training ground has become a laboratory for tactical innovation.
The Unexpected Spearhead: Rafael Leao as Centre-Forward
Perhaps the most eye-raising development from Milan`s initial training sessions, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, is the deployment of **Rafael Leao** in a central striker role. Leao, a player synonymous with dazzling wing play, blistering runs down the flank, and an almost artistic ability to befuddle full-backs, has been tasked with leading the line. One can almost picture the collective eyebrow-raise from football pundits, quickly followed by a nod of `well, that’s Allegri for you.`
This tactical pivot is not merely a whim. With Santiago Gimenez on an extended break following the Gold Cup, Milan finds itself with a temporary shortage of traditional number nines. Allegri, ever the pragmatist, seems to be exploring whether Leao`s pace, power, and surprising aerial ability could translate effectively to the central attacking zone. It’s a bold move, transforming a prolific creator into a primary finisher, but one that speaks volumes about Allegri`s willingness to adapt his resources to fit his vision.
Allegri`s Defensive Shell, Attacking Flare: The Dynamic 5-4-1 to 4-4-2 Transition
Beyond Leao`s positional shift, Allegri is meticulously sculpting a dynamic system designed for both defensive solidity and offensive fluidity. The blueprint observed in training sessions suggests a fluid transition from a **5-4-1 in defence** to a more aggressive **4-4-2 in attack**. This kind of tactical flexibility is vintage Allegri – a system that morphs to meet the demands of each phase of play.
In the defensive setup, the back five featured Fikayo Tomori, Malick Thiaw, and new signing Strahinja Pavlovic as central defenders, flanked by Alexis Saelemaekers on the right and Davide Bartesaghi on the left as wing-backs. The midfield quartet comprised Samuele Ricci and Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the engine room, with Christian Pulisic wide left and Yunus Musah operating in a more flexible role on the right.
However, it’s in possession where the system truly comes alive. As Milan pushes forward, Saelemaekers transforms from a defensive wing-back into a genuine wide midfielder or winger, with Musah intelligently drifting centrally to bolster the midfield alongside Ricci. Crucially, **Fikayo Tomori**, typically a central defender, slides across to become a bona fide right-back, creating a conventional back four. This tactical tweak ensures defensive cover while unleashing the wider players. Upfront, Loftus-Cheek pushes forward to join Leao, forming a potent two-man attacking axis.
Key Positional Shifts in Allegri`s Setup:
- Rafael Leao: From left winger to primary centre-forward.
- Fikayo Tomori: Shifts from central defender to right-back during offensive phases.
- Alexis Saelemaekers: Transforms from right wing-back to a more advanced wide midfielder/winger.
- Yunus Musah: Adapts from a flexible wide role to a more central midfield position in attack.
- Ruben Loftus-Cheek: Pushes forward from midfield to join the attack as a second striker.
This intricate dance of positions, especially the transformation of a five-man defence into a fluid four-man line in attack, highlights Allegri`s commitment to tactical versatility. It suggests a Milan side that will be difficult to break down but capable of swift, multi-faceted attacks.
New Faces and Absent Stars
Milan`s squad has seen some fresh blood, with Samuele Ricci, Luka Modric, and Pietro Terracciano joining the ranks. However, the pre-season tour is also missing some key figures. Both Modric and Santiago Gimenez are not currently with the squad, and Emerson Royal, Yacine Adli, and Ismael Bennacer have not travelled to Asia. Alex Jimenez and Youssouf Fofana, while present, are working individually, further emphasizing the experimental nature of the current starting XI. These absences naturally provide Allegri with the perfect opportunity to test squad depth and new tactical solutions without the immediate pressure of competitive fixtures.
The Road Ahead: Friendlies as Blueprints
The upcoming friendlies against Arsenal and Liverpool are not just exhibition matches; they are crucial litmus tests for Allegri`s evolving strategies. These high-profile encounters will provide the first real glimpse into how these intricate tactical concepts translate onto the pitch against top-tier opposition. The results, while not paramount, will certainly offer valuable insights into the areas requiring further refinement as Milan gears up for the 2025-26 season.
As the football world watches, Massimiliano Allegri is meticulously laying the foundations for his second act at Milan. With tactical flexibility at its core and a willingness to reinvent his star players, the Rossoneri`s pre-season is proving to be far more than just a fitness camp – it`s a fascinating preview of a potentially dynamic new era at San Siro.
