AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli is considering deploying both Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Olivier Giroud from the first minute.
Even if in the very last league matches the squad did not convince in terms of compactness and general performance, AC Milan still won and scored many goals. The ranking smiles and confirms the choices of coach Stefano Pioli, able to give vivacity to the group despite the numerous absences. The Rossoneri lead Serie A together with Napoli with 7 points in front if Inter.
Although Pioli has a standard formation in mind that is bearing results, he is in front of a big temptation according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. The Italian coach is considering a more offensive AC Milan squad with two strikers. His idea is to partner together Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Olivier Giroud.
“Ibra and Giroud playing together? Under certain conditions we can, if we find the right balance“- the AC Milan coach admitted some time ago. Pioli remains fascinated by the option of deploying two players of such experience and leadership together, as in the final minutes of the match against Bologna.
But how would it be possible to make two players like Ibrahimovic and Giroud coexist? In reality, on a tactical level, the matter is less complicated than it seems. In addition, the Bologna match has already offered some indication.
Pioli needs balance to have the two centre forwards start from the first minute. So the ideal would be not to upset the current tactical system that has proven very useful in recent years. A 4-2-3-1 formation but with greater physicality and attacking quality, with Ibra acting as a second striker behind Olivier Giroud.
The characteristics of the two forwards are very different. The Swede is a total striker, who loves to have the ball, exchange passes and feel at the center of the game. The former Chelsea star is the classic predator in the area, a typical number 9 who prefers to wait for the right ball near the opponent’s goal.
Obviously, more effort will be needed in the defence by their teammates, given that the 40-year-old Ibra and the 35-year-old Giroud will hardly be able to handle the double phase without problems. Under the right conditions it is an opportunity that Milan will certainly try.
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