Runjaic: Milan's 4-3-3 Tactic Not a Concern for Udinese; Davis Will Keep Defense Busy

Udinese manager Kosta Runjaic has expressed that Milan's recent tactical change to a 4-3-3 formation is of little consequence to his team. He believes that striker Keinan Davis has the ability to occupy Milan's defense, thereby creating opportunities for his Udinese teammates.

Udinese is heading into this match following a goalless draw against Como. They now face another challenging fixture at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza against a formidable opponent. Runjaic, however, seems to relish these high-profile encounters.

"It was a good performance against Como, this is going to be a very different one, but we must keep pushing to get as many points as possible," Runjaic told DAZN Italia. "I am very excited to play this game; it’s a big club, we have nothing to lose, so we just want to enjoy it and give our maximum."

Milan's coach, Max Allegri, has opted to switch from his usual 3-5-2 system to a 4-3-3 formation for this game, featuring Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic, and Alexis Saelemaekers in attack.

"The Milan tactics are not important; they have so many classy players. It’s about our system," Runjaic insisted. "We have to be very focused, support each other, and show commitment. It’s a challenge. That is most important: how we react to them."

Keinan Davis returns from suspension and has been Udinese's standout player this season. He has often been the focal point of their attack, especially in the absence of a traditional center-forward, with Nicolò Zaniolo previously being deployed as a False 9.

"He is very important, in fantastic form, a very versatile player who can keep the ball, go deep, dictate the pass, and has a lot of pace. He keeps the opposition defense busy," added the Udinese coach. "He has a lot of self-confidence; you see it daily in training, and I hope he’ll have a fantastic game today."

Runjaic further elaborated on Davis's impact: "He can also give other players the opportunity, as I hope Milan’s defense will be very focused on Davis, which can be an advantage for the other players."

Adam Buksa is available only for the bench, while Jordan Zemura and the long-term absentee Alessandro Zanoli are unavailable for selection.

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English Translation

Udinese coach Kosta Runjaic maintains that Milan's tactical shift to a 4-3-3 is "not important" and believes Keinan Davis can "keep their defense busy" to create openings for other players.

Udinese is coming off a 0-0 draw that halted the progress of high-flying Como and now faces another tough challenge at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

"It was a good performance against Como. This game will be very different, but we must keep pushing to get as many points as possible," Runjaic told DAZN Italia. "I am very excited to play this game; it’s a big club, we have nothing to lose, so we just want to enjoy it and give our maximum."

Milan has switched from their usual 3-5-2 formation to a 4-3-3 for the first time this season, with Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic, and Alexis Saelemaekers leading the attack.

"The Milan tactics are not important. They have so many classy players; it's about our system," Runjaic stressed. "We have to be very focused, support each other, and show commitment. It’s a challenge. That is most important: how we react to them."

Davis returns from suspension and has been Udinese's best player this season, particularly as they seem to lack a center-forward otherwise, having used Nicolò Zaniolo as a False 9 against Como.

"He is very important, in fantastic form, a very versatile player who can keep the ball, drop deep, dictate passes, and has a lot of pace. He keeps the opposition defense busy," added the Udinese coach. "He has a lot of self-confidence; you see it daily in training, and I hope he’ll have a fantastic game today."

"He can also create opportunities for other players, as I hope Milan’s defense will be very focused on Davis, which can be an advantage for the other players."

Adam Buksa is only fit for the bench, while Jordan Zemura and long-term absentee Alessandro Zanoli are unavailable.