After 2 defeats in 2 games, Milan looked to bounce back against Bologna who were unlucky to lose against Juventus despite their spirited [performance. It was a game Milan was expected to win but it wasn’t for sure going to be an easy game. Here is a short match analysis of the game.
Line-Ups
Both teams lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Tonali back to the starting line up in the double pivot while Schouten benched Svanberg in Bologna’s 4-2-3-1 and Tomiyasu moving to the right with the club signing Soumaro on loan from Lille.
High Line and Aggressive Tomori
Milan since the inception of Pioli’s tenure looked to press the opposition playing a high line. But until the coming of Kjaer playing a high line turned suicidal for Pioli. But with Tomori, there seems to be an added gear in this particulat department. With Milan pressing their opponents in their own box, Tomori helped to cover the space between midfield and defence by aggressively pushing up, Tomori, in case he was by passed had the recovery pace to make it back and cover in case of a counter
Horizontal Press and overlapping full backs
Bologna are a team drilled well by Sinisia Mihaljovic to press their opponents despite their less fortunate squad. Their man tactic was to push their opponent to the by-line and then out-number the player in possession. Once they win the ball back they switch play either through Sansone or through Dominguez to orsolini who along with Tomiyasu overload on Theo Hernandez and then cross the ball in for Barrow or Soriano.
Tomori’s Passing and Pioli’s tactical adjustment
While Tomori is an excellent defender he still lacks in terms of passing. Roundabout the 15th min mark Pioli solved this crisis by Tonali dropping deeper, closer to Tomori and then bring the ball out from the back.
The extra-dimension of Ibrahimovic
With Ibrahimovic (and later Mandzukic) Milan have a tall striker giving Milan an extra dimension to by-pass the different lines of Bologna’s press. As soon as the ball is hoisted to Ibrahimovic, Rebic and Leao start making runs expecting knockdowns from the striker. One such knockdown resulted in Calbria’s chance which ended in a tame shot.
Mihaljovic’s substitution and change to 3-5-2
With Bologna chasing the game, Mihaljovic brought in Palacios for Dijks and changed to a back with Palacios playing the perfect foil to Musa Barrow. And this worked with Palacios’ workrate helping to dispossess Theo and the resulting counter attack end in Bologna’s goal
Stats
The Milan Blog 