Italian media highlight problem for Ancelotti after signing announcement

Kylian Mbappe’s signing for Real Madrid on Monday evening could cause a tactical issue for Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Though Real Madrid announced the signing of the 2018 World Cup winner on Monday, Ancelotti is yet to provide a comment, nor does he have any press conferences lined up, as he is currently away on holiday, taking a well-earned break after guiding the team to Champions League glory over the weekend.

La Gazzetta, however, believe that the Frenchman’s arrival could cause a tactical headache for Ancelotti, particularly because of the positioning of one of the team’s current star players, Vinicius Jr.

How do Real Madrid fit Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Bellingham and Rodrygo in the same team?

Mbappe and Vinicius, up until this point, have largely featured on the same flank. And, with Rodrygo on the right wing and Jude Bellingham, who has starred in an advanced role for Madrid this season, there could be a problem in striking the right balance.

La Gazzetta have highlighted two formations that Madrid have used over the course of the 2023-24 season. Firstly, there is the 4-3-3, which could feature Rodrygo on the right, with Mbappe and Vinicius swapping between the left-wing and centre-forward roles.

There is also the 4-3-1-2, which could feature both Mbappe and Vinicius up front, with Jude Bellingham in behind them. That scenario would see Rodrygo drop to the bench in all likelihood.