What Milan’s new system means for Pulisic, Leao, and Joao Felix | OneFootball

Milan coach Sergio Conceiçao has suggested that he could change Milan’s system, switching to a three-man defence, which would affect Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leao, and Joao Felix.

Milan will host Lazio at San Siro on Saturday, but the Rossoneri are clearly low in confidence having lost the last two Serie A matches against Torino and Lazio.

During a pre-match press conference on Saturday, Conceiçao said he could deploy a new system tomorrow.

The Portuguese tactician is expected to use a three-man defence against Lazio, picking a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 formation.

Gazzetta has analysed which consequences the new system would have on the attacking department, especially Leao, Pulicis and Joao Felix.

What Milan’s new system means for Pulisic, Leao, and Joao Felix

epa11916405 Milan head coach Sergio Conceicao gestures during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Torino FC and AC Milan, in Turin, Italy, 22 February 2025. EPA-EFE/ALESSANDRO DI MARCO

Milan’s expert Luca Bianchin wrote that the Rossoneri’s new setup could be ‘very limiting’ for the attacking trio: ‘A much more logical approach would be a 3-4-3 or its tighter variation, the 3-4-2-1.’

‘With two holding midfielders, the roles of Fofana and Reijnders wouldn’t change much, they would have similar positions and responsibilities,’ the journalist noted.

‘However, Christian Pulisic would benefit from this setup. In the current 4-2-3-1, he is expected to provide significant defensive support when opponents attack since Joao Félix, Leao, and Giménez are not known for their defensive contribution. In a 3-4-3, however, he would have Giménez (or Musah) covering for him.

‘Of course, there will be many variables. How will Conceiçao press the opponents? How will the other team play? But this system could lead to a less exhausting spring season.

‘A side note, but an important one: switching to a three-man defence would mark the end of the Fab Four experiment as we know it. In many matches, Pulisic, Leao, and Joao Felix would compete for just two spots.’

Milan will face a toxic environment at San Siro tomorrow, as Ultras said they’d start filling the Curva Sud only at minute 15.

The Rossoneri sit eighth in the Serie A table, eight points below the top four.