Defining Alessio Cerci's Role with AC Milan This Season

Now that Alessio Cerci has confirmed his 18-month loan deal to Milan, it's time to take a look at how he'll be deployed in Filippo Inzaghi's formation.

Cerci had a hard time finding room under Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone, who was keen on playing a 4-4-2 and had an established starting XI which meant little room for the Italian international. He only managed six games total in La Liga for Atleti, coming off the bench in each one and failing to score a goal in the process.

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Now that he's with Milan, he'll find much more room in Inzaghi's 4-3-3 formation which suits the player very well. The player nicknamed Ferrari also has a good work rate and can track back to help the Rossoneri when the opposing team is in possession.

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Cerci grew up with Roma as a natural right winger, who loved to take up a wide position and beat the full-back with searing pace.

Considering the fact that he's naturally left-footed, it's not surprising to see him always trying to cut in to his left boot, similar to the style that Arjen Robben employs.

With Keisuke Honda being out for the next month because of the Asia Cup, Cerci could find room right away in Milan's lineup on the right wing. What makes him even more useful is that he could cover the false No. 9 position that Jeremy Menez has played occasionally.

Menez is the leading scorer at Milan with eight goals, and he can fill either the left wing or the central attacking role for his club.

Cerci scored a career-high 13 goals last season with Torino in a different role from what he was used to throughout his career.

He essentially played as a second striker in Giampiero Ventura's 3-5-2 formation that deployed Cerci alongside Ciro Immobile in what became one of the most prolific scoring duos in the Italian peninsula. The link-up play between the two was a joy to watch, and it'll be even more entertaining to see him combining with Milan's other strikers.

Now that Inzaghi has another toy to play with in the lineup, don't be surprised to see a trident consisting of Stephan El Shaarawy, Menez and Cerci. This would be one of the most technical and quick attacking units in Serie A, and could cause plenty of damage on the counterattack.