Runjaic: ‘Udinese not interested in Milan change to 4-3-3, Davis keeps them busy’
Udinese coach Kosta Runjaic insists the Milan change of tactics to 4-3-3 ‘is not important’ and believes Keinan Davis can ‘keep their defence busy’ to create space for others.
It kicks off at San Siro at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).
Udinese are fresh off a 0-0 draw that stalled the progress of high-flying Como, and now face another difficult test at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
Runjaic and Udinese enjoy the big games
“It was a good performance against Como, this is going to be a very different one, but we must keep pushing to get as many points as possible. I am very excited to play this game, it’s a big club, we have nothing to lose, so we just want to enjoy it and give our maximum,” Runjaic told DAZN Italia.
Max Allegri has changed his 3-5-2 formation and for the first time this season switched to a 4-3-3 with Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic and Alexis Saelemaekers upfront.
“The Milan tactics are not important, they have so many classy players, it’s about our system. We have to be very focused, support each other, commitment, it’s a challenge. That is most important, how we react to them,” insisted Runjaic.
Davis returns from suspension and has been easily their best player so far this season, especially as they seem to lack a centre-forward otherwise, using Nicolò Zaniolo as a False 9 with Como.
“He is very important, in fantastic form, a very versatile player who can keep the ball, go deep, dictate the pass, has a lot of pace, he keeps the opposition defence busy. He has a lot of self-confidence, you see it daily in training, and I hope he’ll have a fantastic game today,” added the Udinese coach.
“He can also give other players the opportunity, as I hope Milan’s defence will be very focused on Davis, which can be an advantage for the other players.”
Adam Buksa is only fit for the bench, while Jordan Zemura and long-term absentee Alessandro Zanoli miss out.