Moncada: ‘Milan working on 3-4-3 for a month, makes Theo Hernandez better’ | OneFootball

Milan technical director Geoffrey Moncada is enthusiastic about the change to 3-4-3 and reveals Sergio Conceicao ‘has been working on it for a month,’ with Theo Hernandez and Luka Jovic flourishing.

The clash with Atalanta kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Bologna vs. Inter on the Liveblog.

The Rossoneri simply must win to stay in the hunt for European qualification, but are up against third-place Atalanta who beat Bologna 2-0 last week.

Sergio Conceicao changed his system to 3-4-3 and it paid off with a 4-0 victory away to Udinese, so that is confirmed this evening.

“The coach has been working on this system for a month. Pavlovic plays like this on international duty, we have two very attacking full-backs, Kyle Walker can also do it on the right wing or be part of a back three, so we have the players suited to this approach,” Moncada told DAZN.

Milan reconsider Theo Hernandez future with this system

UDINE, ITALY – APRIL 11: Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between Udinese and AC Milan at Stadio Friuli on April 11, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Theo Hernandez in particular flourished against Udinese in this more advanced wing-back role, so could the change to 3-4-3 also help in negotiations for a contract extension with the France international?

“I love Theo Hernandez, I know he is capable of these games and hope he will be able to put in a similar performance tonight. We are talking, we are working, we are not so far away and we hope this system can make him even better,” replied Moncada.

Luka Jovic is thrown into the starting XI this evening, chosen ahead of Tammy Abraham and Santiago Gimenez, having been on the verge of an exit in the January transfer window.

“Luka can hold up the ball and play, he doesn’t play like a classic Number 9, he leaves Rafael Leao and Pulisic room to push forward. We also have Tammy Abraham and Santi Gimenez on the bench, plus Francesco Camarda, who can become important in future.”

Moncada was also asked about the future of Alexis Saelemaekers, who is on loan at Roma in an exchange deal with Abraham, but it remains to be seen if either of them will make the move a permanent one.

“I am happy for Alexis, as he played more winger with us rather than a wing-back. These are two different moves with Roma, two very different loan deals, so we will talk to Roma at the end of the season,” concluded the Milan director.