The full-back stays high, the space opens behind

Watch the full-back when his team has the ball near the opposition box. If he stays high and wide without a midfielder dropping to cover, that space behind him is live. One turnover and the winger runs into 30 metres of grass.

Against Bologna, Milan used Pavlović advancing on the left while Bartesaghi covered behind him -9. That's the structural detail. The centre-back steps out, the wing-back tucks. The passing lane to the wide player disappears, but the recovery run is already scheduled.

Look at who covers the full-back's position before the ball is played forward. If no one drops, the opposition winger is already making his run.

Give the match ten minutes. The first turnover tells you if the cover is real or just a shape on paper.

Question: Which full-back in Serie A leaves the most space behind him when he pushes forward?