Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between Udinese and AC Milan at Stadio Friuli on April 11, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini
Rafael Leao and Matteo Gabbia both admitted that they enjoyed playing in a 3-4-3 system for Milan in their 4-0 win away against Udinese on Friday night, with Leao insisting that he is ‘freer’ as a result of having an extra man at the back.
With no Kyle Walker or Emerson Royal available, Milan swapped from a 4-2-3-1 to a 3-4-3 for the Udinese win on Friday night. It was an impressive performance in the end, as goals from Leao, Strahinja Pavlovic, Theo Hernandez and Tijjani Reijnders gave Conceicao an emphatic scoreline.
Leao and Gabbia praise Milan’s change in shape
UDINE, ITALY – APRIL 11: Strahinja Pavlović of AC Milan celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between Udinese and AC Milan at Stadio Friuli on April 11, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini
Speaking to Sky Sport after full-time, Gabbia praised head coach Conceicao for the clarity he gave his players in the build-up to the Udinese game on Friday night. He thinks the system got the best out of the team.
“I really enjoyed playing like this. The coach was great: In a few days, he explained what he wants from us, the various stages, when we had to be aggressive,” Gabbia said.
“It worked tonight and gave solidity to the whole team. It was a great initiative.”
Leao, who scored his seventh league goal of the season – and his seventh away from home – added: “In my opinion, yes,” when asked if he felt the change in system got the best out of him.
He continued: “Even defensively, we were compact. With an extra man (at the back), I’m freer up front to go left or right. I got on well with Pulisic and Jovic, and Abraham too when he came on. We did well creatively up front today.”
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