The numbers of goals scored and goals conceded this season are very similar to those of the Scudetto-winning campaign, but there is a major difference this time.
As MilanNews report, after 22 games in the league during 2021-22 Milan had scored 47 goals and conceded 25, while this year Stefano Pioli’s side have so far scored 43 goals while conceding 25.
If we add to these numbers that the distance from the league leaders was more or less the same (7 points in 2021-22, 8 points today, again with one more game more than Simone Inzaghi’s Nerazzurri), the Rossoneri’s confidence in an incredible comeback could grow.
However, it is important not to get carried away: the numbers of the Scudetto season are very particular and must be read in two tranches. There was the first part of the season up to the Olivier Giroud-inspired derby comeback and then the incredible stats after that.
For example, in the last 10 Serie A games of the title charge, Fikayo Tomori and his team-mates conceded only two goals, in the capital against Lazio (1-2 victory) and in Verona (1-3 victory). There were eight clean sheets, which made the difference.
On the other hand, Milan have almost never given that feeling of solidity this season. Milan’s defence so far in Serie A has conceded 25 goals from 206 shots, 93 from dead ball situations.
To this must be added a constant feeling of danger every time the opposing teams get close, in particular on the counter-attack. It will be difficult to repeat the Scudetto comeback anyway, but especially when defending like this.
The MOST notable difference is that Inter is playing lights out and Juve is a LOT better than expected. So our pace and inconsistent displays won’t be good enough to challenge the Top 2.
But I feel our position accurately reflects how good this team is. 3rd. So if we improve on coaching and a couple of key positions, I don’t see why we don’t challenge for the Scudetto next season.
Yes Inter and Juve are doing better this season but there’s also a possibility/a hope that Inter especially choke.
The Scudetto winning season, like all seasons and indeed the rules of physics, does show one can’t predict the future.
Anything can indeed happen. Most teams that have won titles finished strongly with 10-12 back to back wins. It’s conceivable.
The wrong new coach and unfocused signings could land us back in the ‘re-building/transition/fiddle-and-diddle phase 3.0”.
If we go for Conte we could be talking about how we need to offload a whole load of disgruntled CBs this time next year….
Milan can’t win this season, this is not up to debate. The only thing that Milan can do is to keep the 3rd place in the Seria A, because in the Europa League as well they stand no chance. Inter have the best team in Italy, and Juventus with all their issues are “overperforming”. Milan have tactical issues and, more importantly, some of the players do not work hard enough and often look like they are sleeping on the field. lol Unless Inter burn too much energy in the UCL, nobody in Italy can compete with them this season.
Also, 4 goals scored less than in 21-22 depends on the context. In games like that ending in a draw against Bologna, 4 more goals can be translated into 8 points more. 4 more goals each in a draw match would have given Milan 8 more points.
Thank you for your honest username.
There’s many games to play and many opportunities for Inter to choke….
Inter were gifted with 6 cheap points against Verona on 7th of January and Genoa on 29th of December.
Edit: 3 points against Verona and 1 point against Genoa.
Romagnoli, Kessie, Tonali, Bennacer, back than did make the difference. Kalulu played 3 times better than Thiaw now.
Maignan also becomes the star