Tuttosport: Defence the only certainty – the tactical dilemma Allegri has been left with

Massimiliano Allegri will proceed with a three-man defence, a report claims, but he just needs to work out how the rest of the team will look.

As Tuttosport (via MilanNews) report, the comments from Milan sporting director Igli Tare before the away match against Lecce last Friday made it clear that Milan will start this season with three centre-backs starting.

It remains to be seen, given the reinforcements that have arrived in the transfer market, whether coach Massimiliano Allegri will decide to continue with the 3-5-2 formation he has been using since preseason, or if there could be an adjustment.

How many strikers?

The paper reports that the doubt seems to be centred not so much on the defence, which is expected to remain as it is, but on how Allegri will decide to build his attack, in essence whether he will play with one or two strikers.

The choice seems to be between a 3-5-2 or a 3-4-2-1. The only natural striker is Santiago Gimenez who could benefit from having more support around him in both systems. The unknowns are the positions of the other three.

For Rafael Leao, the possibility of playing him as a striker is also being studied, as he has already done this season. He can play in a pair with anyone and could also do so in a 3-4-2-1, with men behind him.

Another option as a lone striker for this formation is Cristopher Nkunku, even if he would have atypical characteristics. Christian Pulisic could operate as a second striker, as an attacking midfielder or sacrifice himself on the flank or as an attacking midfielder.

Photo by Claudio Villa/AC Milan via Getty Images

Midfield doubts

There will also be a lot to decide and evaluate in midfield. At the moment – including Ardon Jashari, who will be out for a while – Allegri can count on six players. There could be three spots available, or perhaps even two.

With both solutions, a spot seems to be reserved for Adrien Rabiot, who the coach has insisted on heavily and who is one of his favourites. It remains to be seen how the others will function.

Luka Modric (due to his age) and Samuele Ricci (due to his characteristics) could be better served by being in a three-man midfield, but it’s possible they could also find space in a duo too. Alexis Saelemaekers will be key, as he is poised to play a pivotal role on the right flank as a balancer.