GdS: No 4-3-3, Leao’s role changes – how the Nkunku signing alter’s Allegri plans

The tactical shift launched this week by Massimiliano Allegri has changed AC Milan’s transfer decisions and the roles of individuals.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) report this morning, Allegri’s calls could change the course of Rafael Leao. The coach has decided not to use the 4-3-3 he had in mind when he rejoined Milan and instead will go with a three-man defence, so Leao could remain up front.

The tactical signs

The above explains why the search for a penalty-area striker has been crossed off the list of priorities and the Rossoneri have placed their bets firmly on Christopher Nkunku, who is more of a winger or a false nine than a No.9.

Allegri wasn’t kidding on Friday night when he explained that he doesn’t know in which position he’ll use the former Chelsea player. It will depend on the match and the opponent, but having a versatile player like him is important.

For Leao, however, Max has the number 9 role in mind. An atypical one, but still at the heart of the attack. It’s hard to even imagine a similar solution a year or two ago, when Rafa considered himself at home only on his beloved left flank.

Now, however, Rafa’s transformation is well underway: in preseason, he swept away Liverpool with a superb performance and scored against both Perth Glory and, in the Coppa Italia, against Udinese.

The Rossoneri number 10 is currently sidelined with a calf injury sustained two weeks ago against the Apulian side, but he’s almost ready. Not being called up to the national team will help him be at his best when the league resumes for the match against Bologna on September 14th.