Tactical experts:
Does Sarri require a ball playing CB like Bonucci for his Sarriball? If we get MDL for that much money Bonucci will be benched, Chiellini won't.
Can MDL fill that role or are we just gonna have two kick has no-bull shit CBs? Basically, what the hell does Sarri ask of his defenders?
Both CB's need to be very good in possession and short passing, often play short 1-2's even when close to their own goal with either the DM or the fullback, to break pressure, . In his system the defense always plays short passing from the back sometimes also willing to keeps the ball in order to invite the opponent to press them even higher to create more space at the middle. We wont play Bunucci long balls from the back that's for sure.
Good question...I think this is where Pjanic comes into play as DM.
Yeah, Chiellini will play the koulibaly role, when starting play from the back Pjanic will take his place to carry the ball and Chiellini will move up past pjanic to be in position to press high if we lose the ball in midfield.
In general Sarri teams press intensively and very high up the pitch in a very compact shape, with the forward players "pulling" the team towards the side of the ball.