Summary
Highlights
Sacchi illustrates AC Milan's attacking strategy, where player positions were never fixed. Three players would always be near the opposition's area, with flexible roles among players like Donadoni, Van Basten, and Gullit, or even Colombo. Players would move centrally or to assist, ensuring constant movement rather than static positions.
The team's movements were highly synchronized. When one player received the ball, others would instinctively move: one helping the ball carrier, another attacking the near post, and others the far post or supporting from behind. This created constant triangular formations, which disrupted the opposing defense.
Sacchi emphasizes the critical role of timing and distances, particularly advocating for short, precise passes. He explains that a 10-meter pass is accurate and fast, while a 40-meter pass is less precise, slower, and isolates the receiver. Short passes also force defenders to cover space rather than just anticipate, making the defense more cohesive.
Sacchi discusses how AC Milan's defense, even against formidable duos like Maradona and Careca, aimed for a two-on-two situation. If an attacker came short, a defender would follow, and the full-back would immediately tighten up, demonstrating synchronized defensive movements to avoid leaving a player isolated, unlike other Italian teams that might dedicate three players to one star.
He further explains the dynamic nature of attacking triangles. Depending on where an attacker moved, other players would adjust to form a triangular passing option. These movements were synchronized yet varied, designed to confuse opponents. Sacchi acknowledges not having many excellent one-on-one players but valued speed and collective movements highly.
Sacchi concludes by describing training drills without the ball to instill these synchronized movements. For example, if he called out a player's name (like Giovanni Galli), that player would be imagined to have the ball, prompting others to make specific runs and shifts – a deep run, a shift to the side, or moving closer – maintaining constant movement and positioning.