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When recalling Massimiliano Allegri’s first spell as AC Milan head coach, there were certainly some special European nights. Perhaps no performance, though, was as dominant as the one on 15 February 2012.
Milan met Arsenal in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie against Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal, and it was probably an evenly-matched encounter before a ball was kicked. What happened in front of a hostile San Siro crowd however was a bloodbath.
Kevin-Prince Boateng’s superb strike gave the Rossoneri the lead and when Robinho headed a second in the floodgates threatened to open. The Brazilian winger slotted in a third with Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s penalty all but booking a place in the quarter-final.
As it turned out the Gunners would win the return leg 3-0 so it would be a nervy affair. The work was ultimately done in the first 90 minutes though, but how did Allegri get the better of Wenger so convincingly? Rohit Rajeev has published a retro tactical analysis.
The Diamond™
Allegri continued with his trademark diamond midfield which we picked out in a recent analysis of the 3-0 win over Inter in 2010-11, en-route to the Scudetto. Many of the principles seen in Milan’s game against Arsenal remained intact.
Boateng was thriving between Arsenal’s lines, constantly finding pockets of space to receive from the mezzali, a key outlet in Allegri’s diamond.
Milan’s first big chance came from a throw-in. KPB acted as the third man, combining smartly before slipping it to Zlatan, who cushioned it perfectly for Robinho’s first-time shot. Fluid movement in Allegri’s diamond.
Milan’s first big chance came from a throw-in.
KPB acted as the third man, combining smartly before slipping it to Zlatan, who cushioned it perfectly for Robinho’s first-time shot.
Fluid movement in Allegri’s diamond. ♟️🔴⚫ pic.twitter.com/5sFAQQ8dFD
— Rohit Rajeev (@keralista) July 20, 2025
Pressing works
Milan’s opener came from excellent pressing. Robinho curved his run to block the pass to Sagna, forcing Szczęsny to play it inside, straight into Milan’s central overload. They won it back instantly, and KPB smashed in a stunning finish.
Milan’s opener came from excellent pressing.
Robinho curved his run to block the pass to Sagna, forcing Szczęsny to play it inside — straight into Milan’s central overload.
They won it back instantly, and KPB smashed in a stunning finish. 🔥⚫🔴 pic.twitter.com/xtnnQgG1S1
— Rohit Rajeev (@keralista) July 20, 2025
The Rossoneri pressed Arsenal horizontally, similar to the Inter approach, but with a slight tweak. With Walcott on the right, Allegri kept Antonini wide instead of squeezing up, cutting off any chance of a switch. Smart adaptation.
With Van Persie pressing alone, Mexès had the freedom to step up. Mark van Bommel pinned Ramsey, creating time and space for Mexès to pick out KPB between the lines. Structure creating clarity.
With RvP pressing alone, Mexès had the freedom to step up.
MvB pinned Ramsey, creating time and space for Mexès to pick out KPB between the lines.
Structure creating clarity. 🎯🔴⚫ pic.twitter.com/W6Vung6IIP
— Rohit Rajeev (@keralista) July 20, 2025
Milan defended in a 4-3-1-2, much like they did vs Inter – compact, narrow, and forcing play wide. Allegri’s side stayed disciplined between the lines, making central progression nearly impossible.
Arteta’s misjudged press left Arsenal exposed on the far side: a 3v2 in Milan’s favour. Sagna stepped to Urby, Koscielny hesitated between Zlatan & KPB, trying to play offside. It backfired. Milan capitalised and scored.
Arteta’s misjudged press left Arsenal exposed on the far side — a 3v2 in Milan’s favor.
Sagna stepped to Urby, Koscielny hesitated between Zlatan & KPB, trying to play offside.
It backfired. Milan capitalized and scored. 🎯🔴⚫ pic.twitter.com/MAPBbCydEe
— Rohit Rajeev (@keralista) July 20, 2025
Milan kicked off the second half with another goal – this time through sheer individual brilliance from Zlatan and Robinho. Quality rising above structure.
Milan kicked off the second half with another goal — this time through sheer individual brilliance from Zlatan and Robinho.
Quality rising above structure. ✨🔴⚫ pic.twitter.com/boiX6tFU8c
— Rohit Rajeev (@keralista) July 20, 2025
At 3-0 down, Wenger adjusted by targeting the pivot, pushing more players between the lines.
Van Bommel was left in 2v1 situations multiple times as Arsenal tried to overload central zones.
Correct adjustments
Allegri responded immediately, bringing on Ambrosini and switching from the diamond to a flat 4-4-2. The adjustment helped Milan clog the center and nullify Arsenal’s overloads. Smart game management.
Milan’s final goal came from the spot — but it was earned through clever movement from Zlatan and Ambrosini in the build-up. Sharp positioning, smart timing, and the foul followed.
Milan’s final goal came from the spot — but it was earned through clever movement from Zlatan and Ambrosini in the build-up.
Sharp positioning, smart timing, and the foul followed. 🎯🔴⚫ pic.twitter.com/AHr8UPMMoq
— Rohit Rajeev (@keralista) July 20, 2025
It was a tactical masterclass from Allegri. From structured pressing to in-game adjustments, Milan controlled every phase. The diamond suffocated Arsenal, and when needed, the shift to a flat 4-4-2 sealed the game. Balance, discipline, and brilliance – vintage ‘AllegriBall’.
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