Stefano Pioli’s Evolution in AC Milan

It may seem a little rushed to put Stefano Pioli in the list of best AC Milan managers of all time, but a strong feeling tells us he is the real deal.

has had a very successful two years, not only on the field but also off it. The team's financial position is steadily improving, and Stefano Pioli has returned the squad to the top of the league on the field.

Every successful football team has a strong basis; which Milan currently possesses in spades. Stefano Pioli’s evolution in AC Milan is the subject of this article. Anyways, Stefano Pioli hasn't added a single trophy to

AC Milan all trophies

cabinet yet. Still, his successful run in the Rossoneri side of Milano is so outstanding that you wouldn't hear much news of Stefano Pioli salary in the media or some other rumors.

The training center, which is regarded iconic, has undergone several alterations and improvements, all of which have benefited Milan. The rooms have been restored, and work is being done to improve the pitches, which are already quite excellent.

However, most development has been made in post-match recuperation techniques, while a specialist crew looks after the players' diet. In short, even from a technical standpoint, Milan has left nothing to chance. Pioli is a fantastic conductor of a large orchestra, with over 30 individuals on staff at the practice facility. We've seen a futuristic approach taken on the market, but it's equally evident that this is the case off the pitch.

How Stefano Pioli's Evolution Started?

Stefano has the character of being a manager who knows how to treat stars, or even with unknown but hard-working players and low-cap transfer budgets. Many believe

Stefano Pioli’s evolution in AC Milan

started here; while there is some truth now, it is often overlooked that Stefano’s first real test was in

.

Following the resignation of Eddy Reja, Pioli was named as the club's manager on June 12, 2014. Placing the job and securing that top-tier European adventure became of critical significance during the later stages, as it did for any club surging from nowhere - like Lazio did, finishing ninth in 2013-14 and investing minimally. Despite the admiration factor accompanying their rise, Stefano Pioli's failure to secure third place would have been terrible.

Lazio have been rock-solid when needed, operating primarily in a 4-3-3 formation but also using various formations. Pioli has uncovered the best from rare gems, established players (Miroslav Klose), and hot possibilities. Goals have flowed from every corner of the side, with everyone sharing responsibility.  Goals have come from all across the field, with everyone taking responsibility as a team and as a unit.

"We're just getting started." We built the groundwork for something significant in the future this year. We've already begun discussing the transfer plan and have offered a few recommendations.

 The club shares my opinions. We aim to improve the squad because the coming season will be challenging." That's a good complication for Pioli: A European-themed, extra game-load complication. Lazio have risen through the ranks by demonstrating pragmatism, tactical talent, a will to achieve, and, most all, a clear sense of what they are doing. Voracious, hungry eyes enthusiastically welcome them as a welcome fresh face on the continental scene.

The Journey of Stefano Pioli’s Evolution

Fifty-six-year-old Stefano Pioli's evolution is rooted in the modern football. AC Milan, led by newly appointed coach Stefano Pioli, lost to Roma in the Olimpico Stadium on October 27, 2019, about two years ago.

The majority of the rumors building up to the eventual appointment of the former Lazio and

coach was focused on Luciano Spalletti, a perennial top four finisher who was out of a job, albeit under contract with Inter until 2020, and this proved to be the undoing of those negotiations.

When Giampaolo's successor was finally appointed, #PioliOut became the top trending topic on Twitter in Italy, and a fan even demonstrated outside the club's headquarters to protest the leadership. The Rossoneri were in thirteenth place in the Serie A rankings that evening, with only 10 points.

AC Milan will face the Giallorossi team once more on October 26, 2020. However, this time, they are the league leaders and have been the most in-form club in recent months.

Pioli, who arrived in Milanello with the hashtag #PioliOut trending on Twitter, and was charged to clean and normalize the disaster left by Marco Giampaolo, had a great year on the rise. Pioli was able to transform not only Milan's soul but also an entire team, instilling tightness, balance, and, above all, a winning mentality.

The second move was in midfield, which is an essential component of AC Milan's game. Rather than risking more midfield experimentation, Pioli has chosen to put his faith in two young and complimentary players, Franck Kessie and Ismael Bennacer. The two were well-matched and exuded a positive vibe.

The final point, which is usually tactical, concerns Brahim Diaz. The Spanish international, who is arguably the team's most technically gifted player, has played a variety of positions. He has played as a center midfielder, playmaker, left-winger, and second striker throughout his four years at Milan.

On the other hand, Pioli provided him the freedom of movement he needed to realize his potential as a former Bayer Leverkusen player fully. Last but not least,

's entrance. Last January, Pioli backed the club's decision to bring Ibra back to Milan.

They found each other right away and formed a collaborative and mutually respectful partnership. The Swedish colossus' contribution of quality, expertise, and charisma has been vital in the team's development.

Pioli typically employs a 4–2–3–1 or 3–5–2 formation, featuring full-backs or wing-backs who actively participate in attacking plays. He frequently employed a 4–3–3 formation throughout his stint at Lazio. He attempted to incorporate strategic elements of basketball into his tactical style as a football manager, owing to his passion for the sport.

Pioli used an ancient WM system, often called 3–2–2–3, as the head coach of AC Milan. Although advertised as a 4–3–3, the formation featured Theo Hernandez, the left full-back, in a more forward position, while Davide Calabria, the right full-back, had a limited attacking presence.

The center of the field, where two pairs of holding and attacking midfielders formed a square, supporting each other offensively and defensively, was another significant characteristic of this system. With the arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic in January 2020, Pioli switched Milan's formation to his long-time favorite 4–2–3–1, primarily to accommodate the Swedish aging but prolific goalscorer, who would play upfront with little defensive work other than pressing, alternating between the roles of a classic striker, a target forward, and a false 9.

Brahim Diaz, an offensive midfielder who plays as a number 10, returned to his favored position as a playmaker behind the main striker, which he had been playing for years in various formations. 

Ante Rebic and

, two high-profile newcomers who struggled to fit into the previous coach's system, were given a few more chances to prove themselves; as a result, the former was able to play in his preferred position of left-winger and quickly topped the club's season goalscoring chart, while the latter formed an effective double pivot with Franck Kessie, who also significantly improved the quality of his performances.

There were a few reasons to be optimistic about Pioli; however, most of the optimism seemed to revolve around the idea that things couldn't possibly get any worse. The 56-year-old has been labeled a stabilizer both on and off the field.

It has been credited for restoring an excellent environment to psychologically broken squads such as the ones he inherited at Inter and Fiorentina and the current Milan squad. Pioli was also known for putting players in their best roles and using the most familiar system to give them the best chance of luck and a boost in confidence.

All about Stefano Pioli’s Evolution in AC Milan

Stefano Pioli's progression at AC Milan was evident since he is pretty rigorous in his approach and would strive to cram square pegs into round holes as long as his compact 4-3-1-2 worked. Honestly, who wants to discuss

salary in Milan rather than his absolute achievements?

Milan's transformation under Stefano Pioli has been massive in every way, not just in terms of the club's substantially improved fortunes on the field but also in terms of the general tone and vibe off it.

Consider Suso, who is currently in Spain after failing to recover from a terrible period as a central playmaker, and Lucas Paqueta, who has lost his decisive spark due to being utilized as a Mezzala.

It becomes a fight between a rigid approach and a far more flexible and all-encompassing one.

, the legendary Milan manager, is adamant about his position. "I don't want my team to have a distinct identity." You can only play football in one style if you have a distinct identity. Football can be played in a variety of ways. The club can play football aggressively, defensively, offensively, and on the counter-attack."

"You can't say one is excellent and the other is bad. There isn't a single successful strategy. I believe the winning strategy is to make the players feel at ease on the field. Our job is to put a team on the field with a clear idea - not a distinct identity." The athletes who will be on the field must know what they are doing.

"Of course, the ultimate purpose is to bring joy to the fans." "This is the goal." Pioli is a big believer in that way of thinking. When evaluating his first three-and-a-half months in command, he deserves a lot of credit for one thing: identifying and resolving problems with the squad one by one.

The 56-year-old was handed a difficult start as Milan manager based only on the fixture list, with matches against

, Lazio, Roma, and Napoli scheduled early in his tenure. The improvement in results has not been as dramatic as what he accomplished with Milan's city rivals in the 2015-16 season. Still, the shift in mentality from a team devoid of ideas and creativity to entertaining to watch has been evident.

We can see Pioli's precise tactics at work when we go back to the positives he was intended to provide and combine them with his idea of problem-solving.

Initially, he concentrated on getting players back into positions where they felt most at ease. Suso returned to the right-wing and Krzysztof Piatek to the center forward position. In contrast, the rest returned to a 4-3-3 game system familiar with Gennaro Gattuso's previous tenure.

Despite several reasonable efforts at Juventus and home against Napoli, the results did not follow due to a lack of goals. With the arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic – whose impact cannot be overstated – Pioli was able to switch systems to a 4-4-2 focused on giving Milan more of a focal point in their attacks by utilizing wide play, having a target man in the box, and also having a player to run off the Swede, initially

.

The goals started to flow after the adjustment to two upfront: 13 in the first five games, and the Rossoneri began to remember where the net was once more.

Then came the crucial Derby Della Madonnina versus Inter and Pioli's most recent shift in strategy. He saw that playing a 4-4-2 with so little midfield depth will eventually backfire against teams like Antonio Conte's, who look for a midfield overload and chances through the middle.

Depending on how you understand it, his response was to switch to a 4-2-3-1 configuration or a 4-4-1-1 formation. This was done in the hopes of retaining the option of having someone play off Ibrahimovic while also maximizing Milan's threat in the wide zones.

However, the most crucial aspect was that it would allow for a more balanced approach, solidifying the midfield by forming a 4-5-1 off the ball while also allowing for a more effective press that does not jeopardize the middle of the pitch's safety.

The Nerazzurri were outplayed for the first 45 minutes against Inter for the first time all season, and while the end outcome wasn't there, the foundation was. In early March, the Diavolo deservedly took a first-leg advantage to Turin for the return leg after another impressive performance against now-league leaders Juventus in the Coppa Italia semi-final. It's starting to bear fruit in a big way now.

3 Things Stefano Pioli did differently at Milan

Rome was not built in a day, and this is the story of

Stefano Pioli’s evolution in AC Milan

. In the beginning, few would imagine how it would take shape; few would tell Stefano Pioli’s could be a serious contender to get in to AC Milan all trophies cabinet.

In reality, it's been nearly a decade. It will be exactly 10 years since the hallowed Scudetto was last embroidered on the Milan jersey at the end of this season. And, while Milan are the early pacesetters in Serie A, having gone nine games without losing, their good run dates back to March. Now let's take a look at 3 Things Stefano Pioli did differently in Milan and take a closer look at Stefano Pioli’s evolution in AC Milan.

Making Zlatan Ibrahimovic a Leader

Signing and making Zlatan a leader may cost Pioli a Scudetto, a trophy that may take him to AC Milan all trophies list. He may be 40, he may have previously visited football's ostensibly and somewhat unfairly named ‘retirement home,' and he may be competing in one of, if not Europe's, hardest defensive leagues. Still, he is also Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and this season he has been rolling back the years.

Every great team requires a great goalscorer, and in Ibrahimovic, Pioli has the ideal No. 9, a consummate finisher who is presently leading the Serie A scoring charts with 10 goals and has scored in eight consecutive top-flight matches.

Since returning to AC Milan in December 2019, Ibrahimovic has scored 22 goals and added seven assists in 20 appearances across all competitions, becoming the first player since 1994/95 to score two or more goals in each of his first three Serie A games.

"I think he [Ibrahimovic] was above all fundamental in the start, as he made us grasp what wanting to win at all costs means," Davide Calabria said, elaborating on how influential the veteran marksman has been in Pioli's dressing room.

"Never rest on your laurels, never be satisfied." Ibrahimovic's mentality is unlike anything I've ever seen in another player." And his attacking teammates have picked up on his "win-at-all-costs" mindset, as Milan recently equaled their record string of consecutive Serie A games scored in (29). The previous high point came in 1972 and 1973. Pioli has discovered a successful recipe, and Ibrahimovic is the cure-all.

Franck Kessie-Ismael Bennacer in a Double Pivot

While Ibrahimovic and his offensive partners have done their job up front,

and Ismael Bennacer have been mopping up behind them, recycling possession, screening the backline, and putting in the hard yards.

With his hungry double-pivot, Pioli has achieved the ideal midfield equilibrium. The duo are the current XI of Milan's heartbeat, engine, and nucleus. They are hardworking, dedicated, and dedicated to the cause, as evidenced by Kessie's recent 'toothless' performance against Napoli, which was 'toothless' for all the right reasons.

This dilemma arose recently during Milan's 3-1 victory against Napoli at the Stadio San Paolo. An elbow flailing in the wind.  While Kessie sought medical assistance after a flailing elbow from

knocked out a tooth in his mouth, he stayed on the field and finished the game, visiting the dentist the following day.

As Calabria phrased, Kessie's grit and resolve to complete the game are emblematic of a larger culture developed at the San Siro: Ibra's "win-at-all-costs" mentality. Even the numbers support the Ivorian. This season, he is second and third in Serie A midfielders in terms of recoveries and blocks.

At 23, Kessie has even described himself as a "veteran" and said that wearing the Milan kit is "like a second skin to me." Pioli has one heck of a midfield talent on his hands in the form of Bennacer, who ranks second in Milan for tackles and joint-first with Kessie for possessions won in the middle third (34) when paired alongside him.

Tactical Change: The Famous 4-3-1-2

The bar may have been set low by Pioli's predecessor, Giampaolo, who managed just three victories in seven games before being fired. Still, the Italian inherited a team that was entirely disorganized and lacked a defined identity.

Pioli had to construct a more cohesive structure because the Milan players did not fully internalize Giampaolo's relatively modern 4-3-1-2. Since then, his 4-2-3-1 formation has been a pillar of his success, with each player well aware of his job and duty. In the midfield mentioned above, the backbone is formed by Kessie and Bennacer, allowing Brahim Diaz to roam in the No. 10 role.

At the same time, Ibra is flanked on each side by Alexis Saelemaekers and, injuries permitting, one of Rade Krunic or Ante Rebic. This season, Rafael Leao has also improved significantly on the left flank, scoring three goals and assisting three times in all competitions.

And there isn't much area for chopping and changing in the back. At fullback, Theo Hernandez and Davide Calabria are one of Europe's best pairings right now; at center-back, Simon Kjaer and

are unstoppable; and Mike Maignan is simply incredible.

With a clear vision and a steady team, Pioli has led his team to 21 unbeaten Serie A games dating back to March and 23 points in the first nine games of the season, the best start to a season in the three-point-per-win era.

Stability and Stefano Pioli's Evolution in AC Milan: The Future

Stefano Pioli often confirmed that he wants to stay in Milan for as long as possible. The coach received the Liedholm Award, which is given for gentlemanly behavior and attitudes in sports and is named after former Roma and Milan coach Nils Liedholm. "I am honored to receive this award because Nils embodied elegance, grace, and knowledge both on and off the field," Pioli said.

Stefano Pioli has started all fifteen games in the 4-2-3-1 system that he prefers. The Italian manager has maintained consistency in terms of system, but not always in terms of personnel, especially in light of current events. This season, AC Milan has used twenty-five different players, with twenty of them appearing in five or more games.

The only men to appear in all fifteen games are Davide Calabria and Brahim, with Kjaer, Kessie, and Theo Hernandez rounding out the starting lineup, but it is easy to say that

Stefano Pioli’s evolution in AC Milan

is something that we will not see soon in Italy.

"As a coach, I believe the most important thing is to be yourself constantly." I put my heart and soul into my profession, and finding a balance in football is difficult. It's a young Milan squad, but one that has time to develop and make mistakes to progress." Pioli is reportedly in talks to extend his contract until June 2024, as his current deal expires at the end of the season.

"Milan is a fantastic club, and I intend to stay as long as I can." I felt good from the first day; we had a terrific rapport with everyone, and we were all pulling in the same direction. That is critical.” In

Stefano Pioli’s evolution in AC Milan

, the youngsters play an important role.

Stefano Pioli Evolution in Terms of Achievements

The victories should be appreciated, and Stefano Pioli, one of the legends among

AC Milan managers

, deserves endless respect.

During the 2020/2021 season, Milan's average starting lineup was the youngest of any Premier League team. They also had to reshuffle their starting lineup owing to a slew of injuries, but Pioli handled it admirably.

Last season, Pioli learned the hard way that there is no room for errors as Antonio Conte outplayed his club in critical derbies. The standards were incredibly high, given the rivalry offered by Inter. Milan had to find a way to win almost every time. 

In a few years, no one will be talking about S

tefano Pioli salary

or Milan's market spending; instead, they will remember Pioli as one of the most significant AC Milan managers of all time.

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