Sergio Conceicao’s Tactical Shift: A Game-Changer for AC Milan
Sergio Conceicao’s seismic shift to a 3-4-3 formation in AC Milan raised eyebrows, especially given the club’s rich history with a back four. However, against Udinese, history bowed to pragmatism, allowing some of Milan’s biggest stars to rediscover their spark.
The night in Udine was nearly perfect, culminating in a 4-0 victory on the road. With four different scorers, a first clean sheet in nine games, and a glimpse of balance that Milan fans hadn’t seen in a while, what began as a desperate tactical experiment by Sergio Conceicao may be the Rossoneri’s best weapon as the season approaches its defining weeks.
Wrote La Gazzetta dello Sport after the emphatic win, “It took a while for Conceicao, but in April he finally found something that works for Milan.” Milan’s back three allowed them to press Udinese high while maintaining defensive solidity, a feat that had eluded them for much of the season.
Conceicao’s innovative shape sacrificed traditional wide play for more inward movement from his wingers, creating space for defenders and wing-backs to attack. This left-sided corridor became a playground for two of the team’s most dynamic players.
Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic Shine on the Flanks
Rafael Leao had been struggling for form, without a goal contribution in his last three Serie A games. But in Udine, he silenced all doubt with a stellar performance: one goal and one assist, earning a man-of-the-match rating from Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Very good, I found the movements up front, I created danger, those up front looked for me a lot,” Leao told DAZN. “The coach found a good strategy defensively, and also in attack, we felt at ease.”
With an extra defender behind him, the Portuguese winger was free to roam, cutting inside from the flank and attacking with conviction. His goal—a stunning first-time strike into the top corner—was vintage Leao, while his delicate chip to set up Tijjani Reijnders capped a complete display. On the same flank, Theo Hernandez thrived, finally able to push forward without worrying as much about defensive cover, scoring his first goal in three months.
While Leao and Hernandez dazzled on the left, Christian Pulisic quietly orchestrated play on the right. The American winger assisted Pavlovic’s goal with a well-delivered corner and was a constant presence with his intelligent movement.
“Is this the right formation? It worked today. So yes, I like it,” Pulisic told reporters after the game. The system allowed him to drift inside and connect with the front three rather than hugging the touchline—a tactical shift that suited his strengths.
Challenges Ahead: Adapting to the New Formation
While some players have found new life, others may drift further into obscurity. Santiago Gimenez, Milan’s marquee signing last winter, has now gone over two months without a goal. Once expected to lead the charge towards Champions League qualification, he has lost ground to Tammy Abraham and Luka Jovic, both of whom appear more in sync with Conceicao’s new strategy.
The Mexican forward needs time to rediscover his scoring touch. However, the wing-backs might help him recover his form with accurate crosses when he returns from injury.
Meanwhile, Joao Felix’s situation is becoming increasingly complicated. The 3-4-3 formation does not provide for a traditional No.10 role, and with Leao and Pulisic occupying the wide channels, Felix risks being sidelined again. Once a bright spark in Milan’s attack during his debut in the Coppa Italia, he is now expected to return to Chelsea at the end of the season, having lost the trust of both manager and fans.
