AC Milan's Bold Tactics Could Break Nine-Game Derby Streak: Low Profile Targets Inter's Weak Spots

The Milan Derby is set to ignite tonight, with tens of thousands of fans in Milan and 201 global broadcast stations eagerly awaiting the match. Before the game, Gazzetta dello Sport outlined Inter Milan's five key strategies for victory. Besides psychological relaxation and increasing the intensity of play, one crucial aspect is this: based on Stefano Pioli's tradition of introducing new tactics in derby matches, Inter will adhere to a "constant approach" while closely monitoring any changes AC Milan might implement to either counter them or exploit them.

Pre-match reports from Sky Sports and Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that AC Milan's head coach Pioli might make a significant tactical shift by deploying a false nine, with Leão as the center forward. This means Olivier Giroud's streak of nine consecutive starts in Milan derbies might come to an end, marking the first time during the Suning era that Inter will face an AC Milan side without a traditional striker.

Journalists covering the team reveal that the Rossoneri will have Leão as the false nine, supported by Reijnders, Pulisic, and Musah to form a "fantastic quartet" in the 4-2-3-1 system. Giroud is expected to start on the bench and come on in the second half to exploit a potentially fatigued Inter defense. If this change materializes, it will be an unfamiliar challenge for Inter.

It's widely known that many Serie A coaches have a "big striker dependency syndrome," and Simone Inzaghi is no exception. In this regard, Pioli outdoes his Inter counterpart. In the last nine Milan derbies, Giroud has always been AC Milan's starting striker. In some matches, Pioli even started with two strikers (Giroud and Origi). Before Giroud's streak, it was Ibrahimović, and before him, Piątek, Higuaín, and Kalinić. Hence, facing an AC Milan without a traditional center forward is a rare occurrence for Inter.

Why is AC Milan considering this tactical shift? This move aligns with Pioli's tradition of making significant changes in derby matches. Despite the optimism of some AC Milan fans who believe "Inter is at most seventh in Serie A" and that defeating Inter is easy, Pioli thinks otherwise. He believes that, in terms of tactical coherence and system maturity, Inter is ahead of AC Milan. Therefore, he feels that playing a straightforward game would favor Inter. However, if AC Milan introduces changes to disrupt Inter, turning the match into a chaotic battle, it could narrow the gap.

At the pre-match press conference, when asked about recent criticism from South Stand leaders (who accused him of failing to make effective changes after five consecutive derby defeats), Pioli responded cryptically, "What's important is that tomorrow, there will be 70,000 fans supporting AC Milan; nothing else matters. We're interested in AC Milan's performance, not in Pioli. Some people think we've never made changes in the derby..."

This implies that Pioli has made several significant changes in past derbies, yet still faces criticism for not doing enough. Of course, the criticism from the South Stand isn't entirely unfounded. In previous derbies, some of Pioli's changes—such as unexpectedly switching to a 3-5-2 formation—confused his own players more than it disrupted Inter, leading to accusations of "self-sabotage."

In recent derbies, AC Milan's tactical shifts aimed to strengthen their defense. For example, deploying a ball-winning midfielder as an attacking midfielder to disrupt Inter's build-up play, using defensive players as wingers in a 4-2-3-1 formation to counter Inter's wing attacks, or switching to a 3-5-2 formation. This time, the plan to use a false nine, with players like Musah and Leão known for their individual brilliance, aims to pull back the overall formation and rely on quick counter-attacks to trouble Inter.

According to a journalist from Gazzetta dello Sport, if Pioli opts for this tactic, it suggests he will adopt a low profile, positioning AC Milan as the underdog and choosing a defensive counter-attacking strategy. Pre-match, Pioli stated, "We can prove we're not inferior to Inter; we will realize we can match our opponents." This comment sparked controversy among AC Milan fans, who feel the derby should be about winning at all costs, not aiming for a draw.

Each of Pioli's tactical changes targets what he perceives as Inter's weaknesses. For example, deploying a ball-winning midfielder as an attacking midfielder in the past was because Brozović (or Çalhanoğlu) showed signs of fatigue and inconsistency in a congested schedule. Analysts suggest that Pioli's plan to use a false nine this time may be because he perceives Inter's current weak link to be their center-back Acerbi. Since the Juan Jesus incident, Acerbi's form has fluctuated, partly due to ongoing external controversies affecting his on-field performance. Moreover, this tall center-back struggles more against mobile, individualistic forwards compared to traditional, physical strikers.

It remains to be seen how Inter's coaching staff will adapt to this scenario. This tactical battle will be one of the most intriguing aspects of tonight's derby.

Inter Milan, on the other hand, has been preparing meticulously for this crucial encounter. Simone Inzaghi's side has focused on maintaining a consistent approach while being vigilant about AC Milan's potential tactical shifts. The key for Inter will be to stick to their game plan and capitalize on any opportunities that arise from Milan's experimentation.

The derby's outcome will likely hinge on how effectively Inter can neutralize Milan's unconventional tactics. The match promises to be a tactical chess game, with both managers looking to outwit each other.

Inter Milan's players are well aware of the importance of this derby, not just in terms of points but also in terms of city pride and momentum for the rest of the season. The team has been drilled to maintain high intensity and focus, knowing that any lapse could be exploited by Milan's dynamic forwards.

As the fans gear up for what promises to be a thrilling contest, the atmosphere in Milan is electric. The derby is more than just a game; it's a spectacle that captures the imagination of football lovers worldwide.

In conclusion, tonight's Milan Derby is set to be a fascinating tactical battle. AC Milan's potential use of a false nine and defensive counter-attacking strategy aims to disrupt Inter's game plan. Meanwhile, Inter Milan will look to maintain their consistency and capitalize on any opportunities. The stage is set for an epic showdown that will have fans on the edge of their seats.