GdS: Four systems, four options, many combinations – what Allegri has in mind for Milan’s attack

AC Milan’s attacking department is now set in stone until the winter window, but it has raised more questions than answers.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport recall, Milan were linked with the likes of Rasmus Hojlund, Dusan Vlahovic, Victor Boniface and Conrad harder throughout the mercato, but in the end they did not sign a recognised centre-forward.

The management decided to invest in Christopher Nkunku, signing him from Chelsea in a €37m deal. The attack will therefore consist of Nkunku, Santiago Gimenez, Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic and potentially Alexis Saelemaekers. How will Allegri use them?

3-5-2

The 3-5-2 is the new Milan base formation, and this is clear after the comments in Lecce. Saelemaekers will be the right-back in this formation, while Leao, Pulisic, Nkunku, and Gimenez will compete for two positions.

In the event of using two strikers, Allegri can really let his imagination run wild. Meanwhile, the good news is that after several attempts in recent years, Leao is finally starting to make the right moves when he’s in the middle.

Being able to operate on the flank, but also in the middle, increases his threat. Up until now – by necessity, not by choice – Allegri has fielded the atypical pairing of Leao and Pulisic in his starting lineups. A difficult pairing, perhaps a little light at times, but certainly creative and unpredictable.

With Leao sidelined and Nkunku arriving, Gimenez has inevitably been the mainstay. But what about the future? Allegri will try different pairings, both in training and in matches. Leao and Nkunku are the unpredictable ones, players capable of creating with a quick run or a one-on-one.

Gimenez is the only pure striker. Pulisic was last season’s best player, along with Reijnders, the most consistent performer. There’s an advantage: anyone, at least in theory, can play with anyone.

Various battles are expected, with a Plan B: Pulisic to be used as a right wing-back, with Leao and Nkunku up front. Improbable, but not impossible.

Photo by Claudio Villa/AC Milan via Getty Images

3-4-2-1

A small variation on the above sees Milan with just two pure midfielders and three forwards. A very attacking structure, more so than what Allegri has accustomed us to. Logically, we’ll see when Allegri wants to take more risks, perhaps to trouble an opposing defence or in need of a goal.

In this system, the impression is that Gimenez could be an alternative to Nkunku, and vice versa. They are the centre-forwards. In terms of pecking order it’s reasonable to think that Nkunku would start a step higher, although it’s clear that Gimenez has the advantage of already knowing the Italian league.

We’re talking about two decidedly different forwards though: Santi likes to stay in the box, while Christopher is naturally inclined to roam free. He’s certainly not a traditional centre-forward. One thing they have in common: both aren’t particularly good at setting up teammates and linking up.

It’s conceivable that Allegri, in addition to evaluating the form of each individual player at a given moment, will find himself pondering which choice to make based on the characteristics of his opponent.

Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

4-3-3/4-2-3-1

The last option is the least likely: the return of the four-man defence, which Allegri has put aside for now. Milan’s squad, however, suggests that this option will return sooner or later.

Why? They only have four central defenders (plus Odogu and Bartesaghi) and can use different full-backs on the right side (De Winter, Tomori, Athekame) if needed. Some fans though are calling for a return to using a four-man defence.

In a 4-3-3, everything would be automatic, just like from Stefano Pioli’s time: Pulisic on the right, Leao on the left, and a striker. Nkunku, moreover, could play anywhere. The key, as always, would be balance: Leao in a 4-3-3 would have to work a lot without the ball, more than he does now.

A 4-2-3-1 is a more attacking option, with Gimenez up front, Pulisic on the right, Nkunku as a No.10 and Leao on the left. It feels too unbalances, so Allegri would probably use  Saelemaekers on one of the flanks and perhaps Loftus-Cheek as an attacking midfielder for physicality and balance.

So, how will Milan play against Bologna when the restart begins? It’s too early to be sure, but one hypothesis is possible: 3-5-2 with Pulisic and Gimenez up front, despite the intercontinental flights. Nkunku hasn’t played 60 minutes yet, and Leao might not be ready.