A deep dive into Unai Emery's tactical revolution at AC Milan in 2025-26 — from flexible formations to intelligent pressing and key player roles.
On paper, Unai Emery’s AC Milan in the 2025-26 season operates primarily in a 4-3-3, but in reality, it morphs dynamically throughout matches. Against weaker opposition, the team shifts into a 3-4-3 during build-up phases, with full-backs pushing high to create overloads. Against elite sides like Juventus and Inter, Emery reverts to a 4-2-3-1, using a double pivot to dominate the midfield and limit transitions.
The tactical fluidity is Emery’s hallmark. In the 2-2 draw against AS Roma in March 2026, Milan cycled through three formations: starting in 4-3-3, shifting to a 3-4-2-1 when up a man, and settling into a 4-4-2 block late in the game. This adaptability reflects Emery’s meticulous preparation and real-time decision-making prowess.
"Emery is always three moves ahead," say Serie A analysts.
Milan’s pressing in 2025-26 is not relentless, but trigger-based: initiated by backward passes, poor first touches, or isolated defenders. Once triggered, Rasmus Højlund and Tijjani Reijnders close down passing lanes instantly, forcing turnovers in dangerous areas.
The back four, anchored by Fikayo Tomori and Malick Thiaw, maintains a compact shape, funneling wide attackers into the flanks. Mike Maignan, beyond shot-stopping, acts as a sweeping presence and initiating point for counters, often rushing off his line to intercept through balls or launch quick transitions.
Build-up from the back is a cornerstone of Emery’s philosophy. The trio of Maignan, Tomori, and Thiaw consistently circulates the ball under pressure, with an average pass completion rate of 91% in their own half — one of the highest in Serie A.
The real tactical brilliance emerges in transition. Ismaël Bennacer, as the deep-lying playmaker, drops between center-backs to receive and switch play or thread vertical passes to Rafael Leão or Christian Pulisic. Their diagonal runs behind full-backs have generated 62% of Milan’s goals this season. Against Lazio in February, this system yielded 2.8 expected goals (xG) from just 11 shots.
Rasmus Højlund is more than a striker — he’s the tactical fulcrum. His off-ball movement drags defenders out of position, creating space for midfield runners. He averages 12.1 pressing actions per 90 minutes, the most among Serie A forwards.
Pablo Marí, signed from Getafe in summer 2025, has become the linchpin of the backline. His composure and 88% long-pass accuracy allow Emery to bypass mid-blocks efficiently. Meanwhile, Yan Couto at right wing-back provides width and defensive stability, contributing 4 assists in 28 appearances.
The system isn’t flawless. When Couto and Theo Hernández push forward simultaneously, the flanks become exposed. Bologna capitalized on this in January, scoring the winner through a quick counter down Milan’s right.
Additionally, Milan struggles against high-pressing teams. Napoli disrupted their build-up in February by overloading central zones, forcing misplaced passes. Without a reliable backup striker, Højlund’s absence would severely impact the attack.
Q: What formation does Unai Emery play?
A: He primarily uses a 4-3-3, but it frequently shifts to 3-4-3 or 4-2-3-1 depending on the match context.
Q: What is Unai Emery's coaching style?
A: Emery emphasizes tactical flexibility, structured pressing, and in-game adaptability, with a focus on psychological resilience and detailed preparation.
Q: Is Unai Emery the best manager in the world?
A: While not universally ranked #1, his work at AC Milan in 2025-26 places him among the global elite due to his tactical mastery and consistent results.
