Why 4-3-1-2 Should Be the Go-to Formation for Mihajlovic's AC Milan in 2015/16

A coach's choice of formation must be a blend of two factors. First is the coach's own philosophy of how the game should be played. The second is the way the formation fits the players at the coach's disposal.

The latter is far more important than the former. A classic example of this is Antonio Conte, who arrived at Juventus in 2011 as a devotee of the 4-2-4 formation but quickly dropped it when it became clear he wouldn't be able to get the best out of the midfielders on his roster. He changed to a 4-3-3 and then, when he proved to have a surplus of center-backs but limited options at left-back, to the 3-5-2 that became his trademark.

Torino manager Giampiero Ventura was likewise a disciple of the 4-2-4 when he arrived in Turin, but results and personnel forced him to change. His 3-5-2 carried the Granata to the Europa League round of 16 last season, a run that included the first win for an Italian side away at Athletic Bilbao's new San Mames.

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Formations and tactics are important in any competition, but particularly so in Serie A, which is easily the most tactically complex league in Europe. It's essential, then, that new AC Milan coach Sinisa Mihajlovic selects the best possible combination this season. That combo is the same as the one that brought Sampdoria to seventh place last season: the 4-3-1-2.

Brought back to prominence by Massimiliano Allegri's success at Juve last season, Miha began using the system at Samp late last year. According to WhoScored.com, Samp lined up in the formation 10 times last, including the team's final match of the season, against Parma.

So far, Milan's preseason games have given us a pretty clear indication that 4-3-1-2 will be the go-to formation—and with good reason.

The 4-3-1-2 is an excellent fit for the players Mihajlovic has available to him. In defense, the rearmost line of midfielders will be well-positioned to aid Mlian's shaky back line—a unit that has needed help more often than not the last few years.

That midfield can be set up with a perfect set of personnel. Riccardo Montolivo, finally recovered from injury, will be able fill the regista position—his natural role, if one he hasn't often played of late. To flank him, Mihajlovic has Nigel de Jong—the kind of midfield destroyer who can play the role Gennaro Gattuso played alongside Andrea Pirlo under Carlo Ancelotti.

The protection offered by De Jong will allow new signing Andrea Bertolacci to play as a box-to-box midfielder, pressing up to join the attack in possession and tracking back to assist the defense.

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In the attacking third, he'll be lending his support to Keisuke Honda. The Japan international has been stuck playing as a winger for most of his time at Milan despite the fact his true position is that of a central attacking midfielder. When he's allowed to play his natural role with the shackles off, Honda is one of the best in the business. His play has already improved this preseason in his old position.

Just whom he'll be linking up with is debatable, but the good news is Miha's preferred shape will give him options.

Carlos Bacca and Luiz Adriano are Milan's prized acquisitions this summer, but there are still questions as to whether they are too similar to truly be effective when on the field at the same time. Fortunately for Mihajlovic, he'll have a pair of good options to play as a seconda punta—a second striker who peels off into the hole to create.

Youngster M'Baye Niang proved he can play the role last season at Genoa and has looked impressive so far in preseason. But an even more enticing—and established—option is Alessio Cerci.

Marginalized both at Atletico Madrid and under Filippo Inzaghi last season, Cerci came up as a winger but had the most successful season of his professional career playing as a seconda to Ciro Immobile's prima at Torino two seasons ago. He scored 13 times and notched 10 assists that campaign, and if he can combine with either Bacca and Adriano, he could reproduce that form.

No formation is without flaws, and the 4-3-1-2 is no different. Mihajlovic will have to rely on his full-backs for width in attack. It's an inherent weakness in the formation, and one that will test the likes of Ignazio Abate and Mattia De Sciglio, who were limited by injuries and ineffectiveness last season. Depth may also be an issue, particularly at full-back, where the team may have to use the likes of Cristian Zaccardo if they're unfortunate with injuries.

But in spite of its weaknesses, the 4-3-1-2 is clearly the best fit for the players Mihajlovic has available to him, as well as the latest evolution of his own personal style. The loan sale of Stephan El Shaarawy—an out-and-out winger—made it clear he was going to be heading in this direction. It's the perfect fit for the coach's style and the best fit for his roster. It should be the bedrock of his tactical system going forward.