Milan, Thiaw does not play: the reasons for the choice of Conceiçao

There were days when Milan suffered two goals in five minutes: Lazio-Milan 2-2, Dia and Castellanos between 62 ‘and 66’. This Milan, on the other hand, does not take two goals in a month: from April 5 to May 5, he saw his opponents exult only with the inclusion of Ederson in Milan-Atalanta 0-1. Miracles (lay miracles, let’s say) of the three -way defense, forbidden for edict in the Berlusconi era – of course, Zaccheroni that time … – but returned to fashion surprise on the evening of Udine with Sergio Conceiçao. AC Milan from four games plays with 3-4-3 and yes, it works. Maybe the team risks, but he does not score goals. More important: it seems to have a solidity not seen in the many tragic evenings of the season, between occasions granted to everyone and a diabolical perseveral in some mistakes. The goal taken with outdoor outdoor cross. The central restart. The individual error.

The Paradox Thiaw

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The three -way defense works, even if Conceiçao has curiously excluded from the Malick Tiaw rotations, which in the season has long been a owner. Curious destiny: he went on the pitch with two shirts available, he goes on the bench when there are three defenders. Tiaw, in particular, did well with Matteo Cage: numbers in hand, they were clearly the best couple. Not quick, however conservative, strong on high balls, almost always attentive.

Sergio’s rules

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So why is Thiaw out? Because with the defense in Tre, tasks and characteristics change. Conceiçao has chosen to have two rapid and aggressive arms such as Tomori and Pavlovic … and Pavlovic, in particular, plays much better on the center-left at three than in a defense of four. At that point, cage and Thiaw play a central shirt, positions in which readings are needed, foot to release the ball, head to defend the cross on the cross in the center of the area. Gabbia had a chance and, as almost always, was reliable. The place is his and Thiaw in the summer he will have to choose: stay to play the redemption or respond to the calls of a premier or Bundesliga team, two markets historically attentive to him.

Milan 2025-26

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AC Milan, for sure, does not go back from here to the Italian Cup final. The three -way defense will be tested again on Monday in Genoa and will put himself in line at the Olimpico on May 14, to the delight of Alex Jimenez and above all Theo Hernandez, who can push a lot with his shoulders. And then, also attention to the reasoning in perspective 2025-26. If the coach will be a fundamentalist to Sarri, goodbye three -to -three … and see you next time. If, on the other hand, it arrives – or remain – a coach more open to variations, Milan could also start from here. By an experiment succeeded in Udine.