Im going to put a lot of effort in this , and i will be expecting constructive feedback
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Enjoy!
I think this game should be approached similar to Barcas , but yet with reversed roles , us being the ball holders, while they (which is what most Serie A teams do to us) the deep defenders. They will most likely resort to an 8 man own half , trying quick counters - long range shots (Hamsik & Co) and headers from set pieces (Cavani).
However this tactic for them has some flaws , as Barca 5:0 showed. A high line from us with fast fullbacks (Taiwo - Abate) to help Silva and relatively slow Yepes whenever they quick counter can nullify the drawbacks of a high line against quick counters , while making us more present in midfield (which we badly need).
I highly doubt either of Cavani - Lavezzi - Hamsik can outrun our Taiwo - Abate - Silva combo, plus the offside trap really fucks Cavani. Yepes IMHO is comparable to Nesta in headers , thats the closest thing you can compare him too, and thats what we need against their powerful set pieces. Having a high line will pressure them not really allowing them to pull their long range shots antics.
Van Bomel and his smart positioning will be needed ( I reckon he will be tired , but not a lot of running is asked of him , he just needs to anchor the defense and intercept passes , brake out play , and do tactic fouls in case we get overrun.
Against a high pace midfield like theirs Nocerino and his running is a must , the dude is a hero , he plays with heart. He gave the assist to Pato while surrounded by 3 midgets and also red his ass of at 92 mins pressuring Keita for a freaking corner. Thats what you want imo , if you hate him ... you are sad.
Aquilani has showed that he is 1st team material , from the moment he entered the game with barca , we started getting a so tiny yet so significant presence. His passes are world class , full stop. He proved his goal vs Spain wasn't a flop , and his assist - quick one touch overhead pass to Cassano on Ibra's goal on Lazio weren't a stroke of luck either. If we want to have possession in this game (If Lavezzi - Hamsik (both CAMs) as well as their wingers (Dossena - Magio) are allowed stupid balls we are in deep shit), we need him. Aquilani - Bommel - Nocerino really rarely waste balls , unlike someone i know (Gattuso - Ambro , they are legends and bleed red and black , sadly truth be told as of late they are a disgrace).
El Sharawwy - Sadly most likely wont play , i really follow milan training sessions , and this guy has so much pace and speed , its amazing. Allegri however might not have enough faith in him. But a combination of Binho - ELS , both pace players, both dribblers , both good passers/assist man (if you think I'm talking crap , check what he did half a season fit in Serie B , before training 4 months with Milan, on special routine - I swear i dont talk fantasies. Wikipedia " Stephan El Shaarawy (born 27 October 1992 in Savona, Italy) is an Italian footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Serie A club Milan. His main assets are his blistering pace and ability to unlock opposing teams with his trickery and clever passing. " Scored 9 goals past season before any Pro training , and playing only 29 matches , 6 of which as a substitute (Heck a starter
) , this might sound lame , but he is an AM so its a bunch of goals.
Finally , our ONLY big game striker , PATO , so uncosistent , yet so much potential , if anyone deserves a starting spot , he does.
This line up if made of HARD WORKERS , people that bleed red and black while having ability , and this lineup is made to support our strength minimize our weakness while we minimize their strength (Midfield presence , we couldn't do it with Barcelona , guess what we can with Napoli.)
Attacking Phase
Midfield domination
Defensive high line , with dropping fullbacks and sweeping Abbiati.
