Milan could use back three against Inter in Milan derby

There is a possibility that Stefano Pioli ends up using a back three for Milan in the derby against Inter later today.

The Rossoneri are going through a poor patch of form in the league and in cups. They lost 5-2 to Sassuolo in their previous league game in what was arguably their worst result in the Pioli era since their 5-0 loss to Atalanta in 2019. While Inter have been inconsistent this season, they beat Milan 3-0 in the Supercoppa Italiana final and are 2nd in the table.

Sky Italia claim today that Pioli could go with a 3-5-2 shape in the game and this would mean Divock Origi starting upfront and Rafael Leao staying on the bench. With Ismael Bennacer injured, Pioli could look to play Junior Messias as a right sided midfielder alongside Sandro Tonali and Rade Krunic.

Davide Calabria and Theo Hernandez would be the wing-backs, with Pierre Kalulu, Simon Kjaer and Matteo Gabbia forming the back three. 

While this could help Milan have more numbers centrally and help them in occupying the Inter backline better, the decision to drop Leao could be disappointing for Rossoneri fans.

Kaustubh Pandey | GIFN