The Half-Space Runner Milan Missed

Watching Milan's opening Serie A match against Torino, a familiar structural problem appeared. The full-backs pushed high. Leao and Pulisic stayed wide. That left the half-spaces empty. Torino defended narrow and compact, making it easy to block passing lanes into the strikers. -1

The half-space runner was missing. Without a midfielder or full-back attacking that channel, Milan had no way to break the low block. They controlled possession but created little. The first ten minutes exposed this. Torino's shape forced Milan wide, and the crosses were easily cleared. -1

When a team defends with five at the back, the space is between the lines, not on the flanks. If you want to break it, you need a player running through that gap.

Watch the first ten minutes. The shape tells you more than the scoreline.

Question: What does your team do to open up a deep defence?