GdS: Amorim ‘changes it up’ – why the first half vs. Lazio will bring ‘significant’ decisions
Ruben Amorim saw enough from the first half in Rome against Lazio to know that changes are needed versus Benfica, a report claims.
La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) writes this morning that the first 45 minutes at the Stadio Olimpico is destined to leave a mark on Milan’s season. Four games into the Serie A campaign it is not the time for definitive judgements, but Amorim knows an acceleration is needed to instil his vision.
What became clear is that this can only happen through significant technical and tactical decisions. They won’t all arrive at once this Wednesday against Benfica, but the transformation will come, it is only a matter of time.
The Milan side seen at the start of the second half against Lazio – in terms of personnel and playing principles – closely resembled the team the Portuguese coach has in mind, a style seen only in fits and starts so far.
That is why the pace needs to be quickened, something only possible by utilising the players best suited to the 3-4-2-1 formation. Substitutions won’t always be able to set things right (as they did in Rome) or help break the deadlock (as against Torino, Venezia and Juve).
Pulisic, Cisse and Hutch
The main change in Amorim’s ideal Milan will be in the attacking midfield. Ruben Loftus-Cheek didn’t work in that role again because he doesn’t seem to be up to the pace of what the coach wants.
Behind Goncalo Ramos, Amorim wants two technical players who communicate in close quarters to create chances and free up space for the centre-forward. Ramos was isolated in the capital again, which will worry Amorim.
At the Olimpico, with desire and anger, Christian Pulisic made it clear that he was ready to take his place back. At his side Alphadjo Cisse has already shown that he is there with two goals in the first four official matches.
Watch out for Omari Hutchinson who on Saturday announced himself with a shot from range saved by Mandas and a couple of dribbles. If he returns to the levels of two seasons ago, his candidacy to play on the centre-right will become solid. Will he have a chance from the start on Wednesday?
Pushing down the flanks
Speaking of which, let’s look at the wide midfielders. Samuel Chukwueze and Diego Moreira are highly attack-minded, and their presence transformed the team’s identity.
While the Belgian deserves much of the credit, it is clear that having two attacking wingers is a major asset for a Milan side that aims to pin opponents back in their own half. Of course, fielding them together won’t always be feasible, for balance reasons.
Given Pervis Estupiñán’s struggles on the left and the limited opportunities for Davide Bartesaghi (who is better at attacking than defending), Saelemaekers could prove useful in a full-flank role.
When Moreira shifts to the right, the former Roma player could move to the left, providing two inverted wingers capable of cutting inside and delivering curling crosses into the box.
The double pivot
In the current Milan, Yunus Musah is essential. Not only because he changed the match in Rome, but also because he had also done well in the previous three matches.
Adrien Rabiot as a mezzala – as he was for France at the World Cup – offered better signs than when he was used as a physical attacking midfielder. In the heart of the Diavolo there will be the two, with four players competing.
Ardon Jashari and Luka Modric are the other two. Above all, the Croatian will be used in matches in which the Rossoneri will have more control of the ball. Amorim was clear: he will no longer be asked to exhaust himself in hyper-offensive pressing.
Defense and youth
The three-man rearguard is the unit requiring the fewest changes, as Mario Gila, Koni De Winter, and Strahinja Pavlovic already provide the physicality and aggression the coach demands.
Matteo Gabbia will give the Belgian a breather in Serie A, while Fikayo Tomori will allow Gila to catch his breath in the Europa League. Sankhoun Diawara will wait for his chance, though Filippo Terracciano and Bartesaghi are also available as markers in the back three.
So far, Amorim has made few changes between matches (four alterations between the Venezia and Juventus games) because there were always four days of rest between fixtures. There will be a similar turnaround this week across the matches against Lazio, Benfica, and Lecce.
In October, however, games will take place with less than 72 hours’ rest. Expect more significant rotation, though always centered on Amorim’s tactical principles. After Saturday, there will be no turning back.
