A SOLID BACKLINE

Defence is an important area for every team, and not just in football. Indeed, matches and even league titles can be won by having a strong backline: you just need to examine the numbers and look back at history to come to this conclusion. So far this season, AC Milan have conceded 15 goals in 15 league fixtures, keeping a clean sheet on seven occasions. This goes a long way to explaining the eleven wins the Rossonere have picked up and their joint-second position in the league.

Upon taking charge of the team, Maurizio Ganz introduced changes to AC Milan’s tactical setup, particularly with regards to personnel in defence. After losing Federica Rizza early on due to injury, Francesca Vitale, Nora Heroum and, most recently, Valentina Bergamaschi have played at right full-back. Meanwhile, Linda Tucceri Cimini has made the left full-back spot her own.

At centre-back, the Coach decided to place his faith in Stine Hovland, who arrived during the summer transfer window, right from the Rossonere’s pre-season fixtures. After overcoming a few difficulties early on as she got used to the Italian league, the 29-year-old Norwegian has made a great contribution next to Laura Fusetti, her partner at the back. She’s alert, composed, combative, excellent at marking and a threat from attacking dead ball situations.

She demonstrated this when scoring the two goals she’s bagged this season, first against Orobica Bergamo in Serie A and then in the Derby in the Coppa Italia. Ganz also has other centre-back options, starting from Monica Mendes (who is currently recovering from a muscle problem). The Rossonere have a complete and solid backline with players who are ready to continue in the same fashion once the season resumes.

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