A last-minute change… Can Allegri’s new system revive Milan?

Allegri explained the switch to a 4-3-3 formation, stressing that the real issue was not the tactical system itself but rather the need to assess the squad’s mental and technical condition as a whole.

He admitted the first few days after the Napoli game were tough on the players mentally, yet he stressed the importance of navigating that period with clarity and calm.

Speaking to DAZN ahead of Saturday’s Serie A matchday 32 clash with Udinese, Allegri said: “We’ve lost two of our last three games, so we mustn’t get carried away; instead, we need to analyse our mistakes and figure out how to improve.”

He added: “We’ve got some players back, and we know that Udinese can hurt us on the break, so we must limit our mistakes.”

With nearly his entire squad available and Matteo Gabia back on the bench, Allegri shifts formation from 3-5-2 to 4-3-3 for the first time this season.

The XI featured Rafael Leão as a false nine, supported by Christian Pulisic and Alexis Saelemaekers, while Samuel Richie and Zakari Ateh also started.

Allegri explained: “Ateh has different characteristics to Tomori and is more of a right-sided player. Naturally, Salimakers plays the same role he has always played as a winger; he is an important player who brings balance to the team.”

“Rafa’s fitness is improving; he makes great runs as a pure striker, but we must supply him with the right passes to convert chances.”

He added that Jiménez, sidelined for six months, is not yet fully match-fit, while Folkrug has started the last two games.

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The Italian also hinted that a switch to 4-3-3 could happen soon, depending on the squad’s needs and fitness.