Pioli’s surprise strategy for the derby

AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli has prepared a tactical change for tonight’s derby match against Simone Inzaghi’s Inter.

It’s almost derby time. AC Milan will host Inter at the San Siro tonight in what’s expected to be another glorious match with both clubs aiming to win the Scudetto.

Coach Stefano Pioli will make two important changes in attack. The trio of Brahim Diaz, Rade Krunic and Rafael Leao will be in support of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Rade Krunic will be in the attacking midfielder role with Brahim Diaz moved on the right wing.

Initially Brahim Diaz and Krunic were battling for the attacking midfielder role but Sefano Pioli has decided to shake things up. A tactical transformation in order to adapt to Inter’s style of play. Krunic is tasked to be the first player to put pressure on Inter’s game orchestrator Marcelo Brozovic.

At the same  time, Krunic’s use in the number 10 role moves Brahim Diaz on the right wing. A decision influenced by the disappointing recent form of Alexis Saelemaekers. The 22-year-old Belgium winger is not at his best and obviously tired after playing on practically every match so far.

In defence, Pioli will rely on the leadership of Simon Kjaer, who in certain matches always knows how to make a difference. Regarding the full-backs the strategy does not change. Ballo-Toure and Calabria will push in attack very time AC Milan have the ball with one of the two central midfielders pulled back in defence.

AC MILAN XI (4-2-3-1): Tatarusanu; Calabria, Kjaer, Tomori, Ballo-Tourè; Tonali, Kessié; Brahim Diaz, Krunic, Leao; Ibrahimovic.

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