With Stefano Pioli willing to continue with a 3-5-2 system, Rafael Leao would play as a centre forward close to Olivier Giroud, even if there could be a different tactical solution that would suit the Portuguese striker and the rest of the team, notes Lorenzo Bettoni.
Leao was dropped for the last two Serie A matches against Sassuolo and Inter, coming off the bench in both games played at San Siro.
Pioli started the derby against Inter with an unusual and more defensive 3-5-2 formation after the Rossoneri had conceded 12 goals in the previous three matches.
Divock Origi and Olivier Giroud started up front in the derby and, as suggested by Gazzetta, one of the two attacking spots will be covered by Leao in the next few games.
However, Pioli said after the Milan derby on Sunday that Leao’s characteristics are not ideal for a 3-5-2 formation.
“I wanted to play with two strikers close to each other to cause trouble for Inter, but he [Leao] doesn’t have these characteristics.”
Leao has already played as a centre forward at Sporting CP and Lille, but also in his first two seasons at Milan, managing eight goals and three assists in 40 appearances. It all changed when he was moved down the left flank, collecting 23 goals and 21 assists in 69 matches.
So, how could Pioli adapt Serie A’s Best Player for 2021-22 to a new system that provides more cover for defence?
On paper, a 3-4-3 could be the answer with Leao playing on the left wing in an attacking trident completed by Giroud and one between Alexis Saelemaekers and Junior Messias.
It’s an option that Pioli also suggested after the game with Inter on Sunday when the Italian tactician said he would continue using a three-man defence in the coming games and that he “will see how to organise the attack phase.”
The Rossoneri need to be more solid defensively at this moment of the season, but it is also true that Pioli must do everything he can to put his finest player in the best condition to hurt opponents and a 3-4-3 may be a tactical option that would suit all parties.
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