AC Milan Utilizes Zonal Marking Systems to Neutralize Wingers

Acmilan: AC Milan has shifted to zonal marking systems as their main defensive strategy under new coach Gian Piero Fonseca. This marks a significant change from the hybrid man-to-man approach that they relied on in recent seasons. The goal here is to focus on covering space rather than tracking individual players, making it tough for opponents to navigate through a compact and cohesive defensive block that aims to stifle creative threats, especially from dangerous wingers.

You could see this system in action during the recent 3-1 Champions League win against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. Malick Thiaw scored the opener with a header from a Christian Pulisic corner, followed by goals from Alvaro Morata and Tijjani Reijnders, which sealed the victory.

The tactical discipline needed to keep this structure intact faced serious tests against Real Madrid’s fluid attacks. Yet, the Rossoneri stood their ground by maintaining vertical and horizontal compactness.

That said, the strategy is still evolving as the team assesses its long-term viability after recent preseason matches. In their 2-2 draw against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico, they revealed some weaknesses in the system.

Nuno Tavares became the game-changer for Lazio, taking advantage of space on the left flank to score crucial goals that turned the match around after halftime. This game underscored the challenges of preserving zonal integrity when high-quality wingers exploit gaps between defensive lines.

The real challenge for Fonseca is balancing this structured defense with the need for individual interventions. When Milan digs in for deep defending, they revert to a zonal setup to gain better control over space.

However, the double pivot—typically Ismaël Bennacer and Franck Kessié—has the responsibility of tracking deep midfielders in a more man-oriented style to disrupt their play. This dual approach aims to stop opponents from easily penetrating the defense.

When an opponent enters a specific defender’s zone, that player is instructed to press proactively. Otherwise, Rossoneri players maintain their positions to uphold the defensive structure. This demands intense focus; a single mistake in positioning can lead to a chain reaction, as we saw in the second half against Lazio. While the tactical shift remains uncertain regarding its long-term future, the early signs suggest that Milan is committed to this disciplined, space-focused philosophy.

What’s really going on is a fundamental shift in the squad’s defensive identity. The coaching staff believes that a collective block will eventually outperform the individual marking strategies of the past. Whether this becomes the new norm for the Rossoneri hinges on how quickly the backline adapts to the movements of top wingers.

FAQs

How does the zonal marking system affect defensive responsibilities?

The system requires defenders to focus on the space they occupy instead of shadowing a specific opponent. Players only engage in proactive pressing when an attacker steps into their designated zone, helping maintain the team’s defensive shape.

Is the current defensive system under Gian Piero Fonseca permanent?

As of July 2026, the tactical shift remains uncertain. The coaching staff is reviewing the effectiveness of the zonal approach after mixed results in key matches against Real Madrid and Lazio.

How do the central midfielders support the zonal block?

While the backline concentrates on zonal coverage, the double pivot, usually Ismaël Bennacer and Franck Kessié, uses a man-oriented marking style on deep-lying midfielders. This strategy prevents opponents from orchestrating their attacks effectively.