The Full-Back Who Forgot His Post

Watch the full-backs before the ball moves. Their starting position tells you where the danger will come from. Against Cagliari, Milan's full-backs pushed high early, leaving the space behind them exposed -2.

Cagliari spotted it. They played direct balls into that channel, and Milan's centre-backs had to shift across. That shift opened the gap between centre-back and full-back – the exact space Cagliari attacked for their opener.

A full-back caught high without cover is a gift the opposition will unwrap.

Question: Do you watch the full-back's position before the pass or only after the ball is played?