Deep passes from the Croatian (and potentially new signing Ricci) could offer a tactical variation for the new Milan, as could link-up play and one-twos with the Portuguese winger.
In February 2022, shortly after Dusan Vlahovic joined Juventus, coach Massimiliano Allegri hailed him: “Along with Haaland and Mbappé, he is one of the strongest center forwards. He has extraordinary quality and a great desire to improve, but at Juve, there is different pressure.” Fast forward to April 2024, Allegri is still in Turin, but only temporarily, with Thiago Motta`s profile already visible on the horizon. In an interview with L`Equipe, Vlahovic stated: “I am fortunate to work with Allegri, who is one of the strongest coaches of the last twenty years and knows how to talk to his players. He helps me a lot.” Allegri and Vlahovic were together at Juve for two and a half seasons, from February 2022 to June 2024. Under Allegri, the Serbian played 99 games and scored 41 goals, and together they won the Coppa Italia in 2024. While it wasn`t always an idyllic relationship – Vlahovic would sometimes show frustration at being substituted – Allegri effectively utilized Vlahovic for what he is: a center forward focused on scoring. In contrast, Thiago Motta, Allegri`s successor, demanded running, pressing, and participation, leading Vlahovic to send a message of rupture to the Italian-Brazilian coach in November 2024 during a Serbia training camp: “For me, in the national team, it`s easier because I play with Mitrovic, another striker, and because no one tells me to chase opponents.”
Allegri`s Tactical Triangle
If Vlahovic were to join Milan, Allegri would not ask him to exhaust himself with constant defensive work. And Vlahovic, in the Rossoneri, would find another forward to interact with and share duties with, Rafael Leao, even if the Portuguese is a winger, not a second center forward like Mitrovic. Vlahovic would fit well as the central striker in Allegri`s probable 4-3-3 formation at Milan. To his right, he would have Pulisic, to his left Leao, and behind him, Ricci as the deep-lying playmaker and Modric as the left central midfielder, with Fofana on the right. It`s easy to envision a “big triangle” with Modric deep, and Leao and Vlahovic positioned between the left flank and the center. A Bermuda Triangle where many opponents would risk disappearing. A pass from Ricci or Modric into space for Vlahovic making a run would be natural, but interesting dialogues could also develop between Vlahovic and Leao, with one laying the ball off and the other crossing, or the Serbian finishing a one-two sequence. In any case, selling Santiago Gimenez should be forbidden, because he is strong and because two center forwards are better than one.
