Tuttosport: Further 4-2-3-1 clues – eyes on Sassuolo as Amorim shows tactical fluidity

Ruben Amorim is continuing to shape his AC Milan side, and there are further indications arriving about formational fluidity.

This morning’s edition of Tuttosport (via MilanNews) writes how two clues aren’t yet conclusive, but they’re starting to reveal something: Amorim could really be thinking of a different Milan, less tied to his historic 3-4-2-1 and more oriented towards a 4-2-3-1.

It happened against Lecce, when the Rossoneri changed formation after a few minutes, and it happened again in the Milanello friendly against Padova on Friday. Next Sunday’s match against Sassuolo could become the third indication, and perhaps the definitive proof.

Shape-shifting

Throughout his career, the Portuguese coach has built much of his identity around a three-man defence. In over 300 competitive matches between Braga, Sporting, Manchester United and Milan, starting with four-man defence have been very rare.

Precisely for this reason, what has been seen in recent weeks deserves special attention. However, Amorim knows that making his 3-4-2-1 fully functional requires time and the right players. He arrived at Milan just a few months ago, and the construction process is still far from complete.

The new system could better suit the characteristics of Milan’s current squad. Samuel Chukwueze and Diego Moreira would have greater attacking freedom without being forced to cover the entire flank.

Christian Pulisic could be deployed consistently behind the striker, a position in which he has shown his ability to make an impact. Gonçalo Ramos could also benefit from more reinforcements, while Modric would have greater defensive protection.

It remains to be seen how Alexis Saelemaekers and Mario Gila (theoretically out of position) will be deployed on the flanks. Therefore, Sassuolo could represent much more than just a match: it will perhaps be the first real test of ‘Amorim’s new Milan’.