Tomori says Milan becoming more aggressive as Allegri fine-tunes tactics

Fikayo Tomori has confirmed that AC Milan are adapting to Massimiliano Allegri’s tactical blueprint, emphasising greater aggressiveness and compactness at the back. Speaking ahead of the Udinese match, he explained that the system has added a third centre‑back but retained its core defensive principles staying aggressive and maintaining a high defensive line.

With Tomori paired alongside Gabbia and Pavlovic in the new back three, the team hopes to combine solidity with pressing intensity. He noted, “We need to give more, be more aggressive to keep the line and the team high up the pitch.” Udinese’s physicality was also a test of Milan’s adaptation to this compact yet proactive setup.

Tomori further reflected on the team’s evolution under Allegri a shift from the more expansive schemes of previous coaches to a pragmatic 3‑5‑2 or 4‑2‑3‑1 structure designed for defensive control and measured build-up play. The system allows Milan to remain stable while launching incisive attacks.

Editorial

We have watched Milan’s tactical reinvention with keen interest. Under Allegri, the team is transitioning from frenetic attacking setups to a more balanced, structure-first approach. We believe that Tomori’s pivot into a back three and his embrace of heightened aggressiveness signals both personal growth and a collective shift in mindset.

We feel that such evolution cannot occur overnight. The defensive discipline required in the new system demands patience and consistent work in training. Tomori, known for his pace and front-foot aggression, now also needs positional maturity to grow into Allegri’s ideal of compactness and compact organisation.

We believe Milan’s midfield must complement this transformation. Effective double pivots and disciplined wide defenders will relieve pressure on the centre‑backs and allow players like Tomori to engage opponents early without risking exposure in transition.

We assert that success under Allegri hinges on cohesion. Tactical tweaks without unity breed inconsistency. But if Milan internalise this philosophy pressing as one unit and defending in layers they possess the tools to transform aggression into stability, and pragmatism into performance.

Did You Know?

1. Tomori made his AC Milan debut in January 2021 during the Coppa Italia Derby della Madonnina against Inter, earning praise from Zlatan Ibrahimović for his assertive, early foul on Alexis Sánchez.
2. Paolo Maldini and Zlatan Ibrahimović personally mentored Tomori at Milan, with the defender admitting that he felt pressure and pride to impress two club legends.
3. Despite recent criticism, Milan’s former striker Massimo Ambrosini publicly stated that he would “keep Tomori,” noting that tactical transitions take time and he remains integral to squad stability.
4. Tactical analysis shows Tomori excels when pressing as the first defender or covering space using his speedthough patience remains an area for refinement to avoid premature engagements.
5. Milan have conceded fewer goals since Allegri’s system was introduced, reflecting a 25–30% improvement in defensive statistics compared to prior seasons.