Milan and Bologna came to a draw on Monday to frustrate a packed San Siro crowd. Here are some of the tactical points
BOLOGNA’S 3-5-2
Bologna clearly knew Milan’s weakness has been in the center and therefore they opted to play a 3-5-2. One of the main strengths of a 3-5-2 is their ability to crowd out the center and have an extra man in defense.
A significant feature of a 3-5-2 is that when played deep and closer to one’s own goal it becomes increasingly difficult for the oppodition.
3-5-2 needs a lot of counter attacks and runs from the midfielders to complete it’s attacking side and this could be seen in the earlier part of the first half. But the most important part was the partnership between the front 2. Arnautovic and Musa Barrow were able to hold the ball up, do interplay and give respite to their defenders who had to keep Milan’s forwards at bay.
WHAT MILAN COULD HAVE DONE TO BREAK THE DEEP BLOCK
A deep block is extremely difficult for both sides. For the defenders they would have to keep their concentration the entire time the ball is with the opposition and for the attacking team to find space between the lines.
This would maybe explain as to why Pioli kept on Diaz instead of subbing him because as a #10 it is his primary function to find space.
Since parking the bus involved playing a deep compact block, Milan didnt attempt to do quick passes and positional changes near the wide areas to either set a FB free to cross or to have space to breach the block and get inside the box
Very few attempts were made by Milan’s #9 Giroud to get to the near post to recieve a cross. One such attempt was when he chested it down to Calabria.
Another method to break a deep block is to have your full back run to the far post just like Hakimi has made one here.
Calabria did make it to the far post but he missed his chance. The same was however not tried for Theo, probably due to the fear of getting countered on the wings through Hickey.
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