CM: Simple change and 3-5-2 – Conceicao tries multiple systems ahead of Inter game

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·6 Januari 2025

CM: Simple change and 3-5-2 – Conceicao tries multiple systems ahead of Inter game

The day of the Supercoppa Italiana final between AC Milan and Inter is upon us, and there are still some doubts about the team Sergio Conceicao will name.

As Calciomercato.com report, the big doubt concerns Rafael Leao and whether he will be available to Conceicao or if he will cheer for his teammates from the stands. The latest indications are positive: the former Lille winger trained with the group and should at least be on the bench.

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Team news

One thing is certain: the Portuguese will be able to play a snippet of the match at best, around 20 minutes. The final is very important for many reasons but the medical staff’s caution is motivated by a hectic month of January with crucial Serie A and Champions League fixtures to come.

Two pieces of good news emerged on the eve of the game. The first is that Ruben Loftus-Cheek returned to training almost a month out, and the second is that Alex Jimenez has recovered from the physical problems that forced him to be substituted against Juventus.

There is, however, one piece of bad news: Matteo Gabbia – who was decisive against Juve with a block on Gatti’s shot at the end – did not take to the field to train with his team-mates due to flu symptoms, it remains to be seen whether he will be available to Conceicao.

The XIs tested

Conceicao, in his pre-match press conference, focused on two issues. Firstly, the fact that 4/5 players not in top condition, and secondly that the team have had one day less rest than Inter, given they played on Thursday. This is why the choice of the starting 11 will be even more decisive than usual.

The Rossoneri coach has tried two tactical solutions to try to slow down the run of a perfect Inter in the last two months. The first solution is quite a simple change and it sees Yunus Musah in place of Ismael Bennacer in the midfield three.

The second solution is less likely but involves the inclusion of Tammy Abraham and the switch to 4-4-2 with Alex Jimenez wide on the left and Christian Pulisic on the right.

The third option tried was more interesting: a 3-5-2 system with Jiménez and Theo Hernandez as the wing-backs, Emerson Royal as the right-sided centre-back, Musah in midfield with Youssouf Fofana and Tijjani Reijnders, then Christian Pulisic up front alongside Alvaro Morata.