Raffaele Palladino explains the tactical adjustments that tore Milan to shreds in a 4-2 victory and dedicates it to Monza patron Silvio Berlusconi.
“This was an emotional night. It was great to see the lads believe in themselves before the game against a very strong side that could’ve taken second place, so were very motivated,” Palladino told DAZN.
“The players were excellent in every way, tactically, physically, technically, showing intelligence and patience.”
Silvio Berlusconi was at the helm of Milan for over 30 years, then sold the club and took Monza from bankruptcy to Serie A, so while he died in June 2023, this will always be ‘his’ fixture.
“I dedicate the victory to our great President Berlusconi, who would’ve been very proud to see his team fight it out like this against his former club,” said Palladino.
Berlusconi also famously loved a four-man defence, so would’ve been particularly pleased that the coach transformed his tactics from the usual three-man defence to a 4-2-3-1, aiming to mirror Stefano Pioli’s system and therefore neutralise their opponents.
It worked very well in the first half, taking a 2-0 lead through the Matteo Pessina penalty and Dany Mota Carvalho curler.
“We wanted to build from the back with four, as we knew Milan had to push someone else up to be man on man, considering they had three strikers. So we wanted to draw them out and put a player like Valentin Carboni between the lines,” explained Palladino.
“I am fortunate to have a group of lads who can play with three or four in defence, so during the week we choose the best set-up for that particular match. The strikers also worked so hard covering the spaces to help the defence and I think this victory owes a great deal to the work the forwards did out of possession.”
When Luka Jovic was sent off for a slap on Armando Izzo in their off the ball incident, that instead sparked Milan’s angry reaction, clawing their way back to 2-2 with Olivier Giroud and Christian Pulisic.
In stoppages, Monza finally broke the 10 men on the counter-attack through Warren Bondo and Lorenzo Colombo for a 4-2 result.
CEO Adriano Galliani, who was at Milan for over 30 years with Berlusconi, said that Monza are not doing as well because they were a surprise last season in their Serie A debut, whereas now opponents study and prepare counter-measures.
“Galliani was very happy and emotional, we had a big celebration in the locker room and got soaking wet.
“I think the attitude towards us has changed, especially those more or less on our level, as they sit deeper and wait to go on the counter-attack. We therefore have to change things up a bit, as there are fewer spaces for us to make vertical passes towards the trequartista.
“It has been a growth experience for myself and my staff too, we had to find different approaches, and of course we would always love to see beautiful football, but it is not possible every time.
“It’s true that people have been a little more pessimistic around us recently, but don’t forget we were promoted from Serie B for the first time a year and a half ago, and in that time we have beaten Inter, Juventus, Napoli and Milan. Not everyone can say that and it would be nice for these players to be given credit for their historic and extraordinary achievements.”
Goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio had to come off with a head injury, as he seemed dazed after a heavy collision with teammate Andrea Carboni.
“Michele has a big cut to his forehead, but he hugged me at the end of the game and was very happy. Sorrentino did very well coming on too.”
#SerieA | #Monza, #Palladino: "Dedico la vittoria al presidente Berlusconi"https://t.co/DBcgXqn5j3
— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) February 18, 2024