After the disappointing loss against Atalanta which led to being knocked out of the Coppa Italia, Stefano Pioli and his men turned their attention to Serie A where they had to face Roma at the San Siro.
As is so often the case, AC Milan found a way when their backs were against the wall. They took the lead just 11 minutes into the game through a lovely goal by Yacine Adli, his first in Serie A, and San Siro roared in a way he will never forget.
In the second half it was Milan setting the tempo as they came out looking for a second goal which they got in the 55th minute through Olivier Giroud, which was the Frenchman’s 10th league goal of the season.
After that Milan seemed to be in cruise mode before Davide Calabria gave Roma faith in the 69th minute as he committed a foul on Pellegrini that resulted in a penalty which Paredes converted.
Despite the goal, though, it’s fair to say that Milan stayed in control, and in the 84th minute after a lovely move saw Giroud set up Theo Hernandez who fired a rocket in off the bar and kill the game at 3-1.
Here are five things we observed during the win…
1. Stepping up in a big way
It’s been a weird season again for Adli, who has had much more playing time compared to last season and after some very positive performances then some rather underwhelming ones, Pioli seemed to have put him down the pecking order yet again.
However, he has been given more playing time again in recent weeks and got to start against Roma, and what better way to show your worth than scoring a lovely goal to give your side the lead?
The Frenchman showed off his technique to beat his man on the edge of the box followed by a well-placed shot to beat the keeper – and with his left foot too.
Adli didn’t stop there as he continued to dictate the game and was always available for his team-mates. He also showed good work rate on both ends of the pitch and rightly got Man of the Match award in our post-game ratings.
Yacine Adli vs. Roma
➤ 1 goal
➤ 80 touches
➤ 56/61 completed passes (92%)
➤ 10 passes into final third
➤ 2 chances created
➤ 4/4 completed long balls
➤ 3/3 tackles won
➤ 7/9 ground duels won
➤ 2/3 aerial duels won
➤ 5 recoveries
➤ 2 clearances
➤ 2 interceptions pic.twitter.com/qbI3hsa2qG— MilanData📊 (@acmilandata) January 15, 2024
2. Costly clumsiness
Ruben Loftus-Cheeks has some good moments, as he usually does, winning duels and bursting forward using his strength and pace to shake off his man.
However, he again struggled in the final third as he had during the first part of the season. The Englishman found himself in a couple of very good positions where he should’ve been more determined taking a shot on goal or looking for the pass.
Instead he seemed too hesitant when he got into dangerous areas, leading to him being dispossessed. For example, he went down inside the box claiming Kristensen had fouled him, but it was not a penalty he should have hit it earlier with his left foot.
It’s clear that the ex-Chelsea man has the quality and has already proven to be a good bit of business given his cost was not astronomical, but there’s this feeling that he’s just a level below being a crucial part of this squad.
3. Back in business
Matteo Gabbia was called back from his loan at Villarreal a couple of weeks ago due to the injury crisis Milan have had (and continue to have) in the defensive department, and this move has proved to be positive so far.
The Italian was recalled because it was free to do but mainly because he knows the club and the league so well. He started in the cup against Atalanta and had a really solid game before having to come off after getting a knock on the head in the first half.
Against Roma you might’ve thought it would be a tad harder for Gabbia as he had to mark Lukaku, but the centre-back had no troubles at all as he was the best defender on the pitch, keeping it simple and playing well on possession too.
While there continues to be reflections regarding whether or not to invest in a central defender now, the 23-year-old certainly isn’t raising the level of urgency.
4. French rearguard
Theo Hernandez has taken on a lot of responsibility as of late to lead his side in tough moments, from playing out of position to scoring or assisting in crucial games. Against Roma it wasn’t any different as he returned to the left-back spot.
He played a good game which he topped off with a wonderful goal after combining with Giroud and scoring from just inside the area in a moment where the lead was just one goal. That vicious strike pretty much secured the win for his side.
The same goes for his compatriot, Mike Maignan. The goalkeeper couldn’t do much on the penalty but had a couple of really crucial saves that kept Roma at bay and his side in front.
It’s always a game-changer to have a world-class keeper and fortunately for Milan, Maignan is one of them. His distribution also caused issues too, given the accuracy of his long balls.
5. The drought ends
We’ve criticised Giroud quite a bit as of late – even when he was assisting or scoring – purely because his overall game hasn’t been that great. Plus, he hadn’t scored a home league goal since August.
This time around, however, he got a goal and an assist whilst always being much more involved in the match and winning quite a few duels. The 37-year-old actually dropped into midfield a bit to drag Mancini out, meaning he was a tactical key too.
Giroud obviously won’t be the most mobile due to his age, but maybe the rest he got as a result of Luka Jovic playing more has done him some good as he looked much better against a good side.
.@_OlivierGiroud_ has reached double figures in goals for the third season in a row in Serie A. The last #ACMilan player to do so prior to the Frenchman was Alexandre Pato (between 2008-09 and 2010-11).
[via @OptaPaolo] pic.twitter.com/ZRdjBRXeGF
— MilanData📊 (@acmilandata) January 14, 2024
It is worth noting Roma are very poor.
Theo had really gone dormant for a large part of the season, its great to see him exploding again
RLC has been awful for a long time now.
When Bennacer gets back it is RLC most likely to be making way
A good Adli is a huge plus for our struggling midfield. Still need a DM but he gives us options. Bennacer, Adli, Reijnders would be a very skilful midfield which id love to see
Ok
Is it worth noting?
Why?
So you can ‘manage expectations’?
Just enjoy the win.
Are you still upset Krunic left lol
Again – what are you on about?
I’m sick of fans moaning after we won 3:1 against a direct rival for a Champions League spot after one of our best performances since the Napoli games.
Costacurta says that Theo playing as a CB enhanced his focus and motivation during games. I hope he takes that same focus and motivation back at his LB position where undoubtedly he has underperformed the last year or so, and finish this season on a high note.
For the way Milan plays under Pioli, Theo is the most important player on the team.
A lot has been made over the last couple years of Milan left side of Theo and Leao.
Who really benefits more playing with the other, Theo or Leao?
Leao without Theo, meh.
Theo without Leao, ballin.
Theo’s numbers and performances were better with Rebic in front of him. Last couple years most Theo goals are penalties.
It’s not because Rebic is a better player than Leao but because he can actually read the game, and move either in or out depending on Theo’s movement.
Leao is in Theo’s way. Matter fact, a perfect example of Leao inability to read the play happened yesterday before the end of the half where RLC and Leao ran into each other.
Media has been pushing Conte on Milan. I’m not a fan of Conte, but in his system Theo will become a monster.
Leao on the other hand will have a tough summer where he will have to learn how to play football away from the white line on the left side and actually stop being scared of the penalty area or he will be sold like Icardi when Conte went there.
If Conte comes in Giroud is definitely staying as a back up. Conte wanted him at Inter before. 37 years old, 11g, 7a, so far this season.
BTW another goal by CDK. He is another player that will look good in Conte’s system.
CDK in serie A this season
18 games, 1000 minutes, 3g, 4a.
Leao, 17 games, 1230 minutes, 3g, 6a.
In all competitions,
CDK, 23 games, 7g, 5a
Leao 24 games , 6 g, 6a.
Make sure you take this numbers into account when you want to blame the new signings for why Milan underperformed this season so far.
Your best player has failed you.
Leao isn’t even holding his own against Inter’s 2nd best player Thuram, let alone Lautaro.
Thuram 8g 10 in serie A.
9g, 11a in all comps.
Lautaro 18g, 4a in serie A.
Milan best player has failed Milan this season, but it’s easier to blame the new signings instead of facing the truth.
He needs to step up.
I don’t know what to say to you, you are right in . The sense that leao needs to step up but he needs to step up because he’s more dangerous than these three players you compared him with…
One other thing u failed to mention is that they play more closer to goal than him; how many times have lauraro or Thuram or CDK had to progress with the ball from the middle or the flanks and make something happen? Dey play more nearer to the keeper than leao…
Leao needs to step up cuz he has a big ceiling of improvement to attain which would make him undoubtedly more better than them and dats if he applies himself…still giv the guy some credits will ya
The excuses for Leao are unlimited.
If you have paid attention Pioli every other week says in his interviews that he keeps asking Leao to be more present in the penalty box. So leao playing away from the goal is not by design but because he does that on his own. Since he solely relies on his speed and he is not good in tight spaces, He comes back and gets the ball at the center of the pitch because as an airplane, he needs a runway strip of space to outrun his defenders.
Pioli tried Leao as a striker in his 1st 2 seasons at Milan and he wasn’t cutting it. Also , last season when Pioli switched to 3421 he tried Leao playing closer to the goal and he looked like fish out of water.
Also what is the excuse for Pulisic having better numbers than Leao in his 1st season in serie A and playing on his least favorite right wing?
“#DeGrandis: “In my opinion, he
played with a mirror in hand today
making plays just to watch himself.
Today, he did an unnecessary backheel,
a move that was an end in itself. He
doesn’t even make the runs he used to
make during the championship-winning
year. I’m surprised that, considering how
physically and technically strong he is,
he doesn’t know how to play football. He
never does the right thing.”
So, a player isnt having the best season, was injured and the season isnt even over. MUST SELL AT ALL COST no matter what his skills are. Lol These Pseudo football geniuses are pathetic.
😂🤣😅
Where does it say that I’m calling for him to get sold, let alone at all cost?
Deflecting, taking the conversation in a totally different direction to not face the facts.
He has scored 3 goals midway thru the season. He is on pace to score 6 goals this season.
He has scored just as many goals as Tomori who is a defender and has been injured.
Same goals as Jovic who didn’t get playing time until December.
So, you NEVER asked for Leao to be sold? lol Sure thing buddy.
What facts? Everyone and their dogs know Leao isnt having the best season. The first problem in Milan is depending on only Leao to perform As if it’s a one person game. Without his performances, we cant even create chances even with ALL THE NEW SIGNINGS. Second Problem is depending on a coach who has the tactical prowess of a garbage bag.
We can all blame Leao for all his shortcomings and yes.. there are A LOT. But blaming the entire season on ANY Player, may it be Leao or new signings, but PIoli is a shortsightedness. Pioli is solely responsible for the entire season going downhill. Not Leao, not new signings, not Mike, not Theo. It’s PIOLI. Leao didnt ask the coach to play 5-0-5 or 442, it was Pioli.
“So, a player isnt having the best season, was injured and the season isnt even over. MUST SELL AT ALL COST no matter what his skills are. Lol These Pseudo football geniuses are pathetic.”
So… If you read the comments again you’ll see people want him to raise his level. LOL, these people who have hard time understanding basic English are pathetic.
No one said anything about selling. And are you honestly happy how Leao has been playing and think he doesn’t need to improve?
Read the comment above.
You are clearly prejudiced in favour of attacking players, Maignan is Milan’s best player, and Thuram isn’t Inter’s second best player, Calhanoglu, Barella and probably Bastoni are all better players.
I agree on what you said about Leao. I don’t think he needs to step up because it’s not his nature. He is not a leader even if says so. He’s a fantastic player and his underperformance is alone Piolis foult.
He’s giving him the freedom Kaka and Ronaldinho enjoyed but those two were delivering and the game was different back then.
I read someone wrote Theo performed better with Rebic in front and I agree. Rebic has more game intelligence for the modern game, he makes space, one-two passes etc.
Leao almost never does. He’s very predictable and three goals from 20 games for a player of his caliber is just not acceptable.
According to Di Marzio Milan is seriously pushing to sign Boungiorno this month.
Spending so much on a CB in January when Thiaw and Tomori are only few weeks away from coming back from injury is interesting.
It might mean that Milan is already preparing for next season and 3 men defense with Conte, and they are trying to get Boungiorno this month before his price and competition go up in the summer.
Maignan;
Boungiorno, Thiaw, Tomori,
with Theo and Terracciano
as wingbacks.
Kjaer will stay as well and will be a beast in the middle of the 3 men defense, plus Gabbia, Simic, Kalulu, who can also slot in at wingback.
Florenzi would definitely be better as a wingback.
Assume Bennacer and Reijnders would be part of his midfield, probably RLC, Adli, and Pobega. Conte used Gagliardini a lot at inter, and Pobega is a similar player.
The forward line is up for grabs.
They still have to sign a striker unless Conte can turn Rafa Leao into a striker.
Okafor, Pulisic, Jovic can definitely play in that 2 man front.
Chukwueze is not a fit.
Calabria might not be a fit too.
Maybe Milan doesn’t need that much of a squad change to fit the Conte system. Maybe he likes what he sees in this Milan squad and that’s why he is waiting on Milan instead of accepting Napoli’s job.
Maybe, we’ll see.
You are on point. This squad is just perfect for Conte’s system. I would say Conte would pick Calabria over Terracciano, because of experience, workrate and ability to send good crosses.
I wouldnt be surprised if Kalulu makes it to the first team as he is also good at crossing and Conte values it immensely. One of the very reason he likes a Tall striker good at picking airballs.
Both 343 and 352 is viable formations with the team and depth we have available specially under a competent coach. We do need to sign a striker for sure.
I don’t see Leão fitting this formation, maybe Conte will ask for his sale if whe joins us
People need to cool it with the calls to sell Leao. Period.
He does need to step up, but that’s unnecessary.
The Roma game last January ended a sustained period of over 2 years where Milan had title winning form.
Coming out of the Covid break we were the best team in Serie A – the form table from weeks 27-38 puts us top, we were 2nd in 20/21, we were Scudetto winners in 21/22, and 2nd until that fateful night on 8 January 2023.
Then all of a sudden from the last 5 minutes of that Roma game (bar a great run in the Champions League) we collapsed and stumbled across the line to FOURTH place (see the league table).
There is no simple explanation for this.
All of the ‘he’s hot’, ‘he’s not’, ‘he should be sold’ and ‘he should be sacked’ is just superficial nonsense.
It was something psychological. We lost that air of invisibility/our mojo/our whatever.
The thing that struck me about the game against Roma was that it was almost like a continuation of that game from last year.
It was one of our best performances since then (the Napoli games were probably our best performances) but the key was how we hassled and harangued and dominated Roma. And then Roma got back in again with the penalty and it almost went the same way – but we broke through and got a third.
Is this the end of our rut?
Pure speculation on my part but it has a synchronicity to it.
Adli was great. I still think he is too soft in defense, but at last he contributed in final third today. Thats a great improvement.
If Simic would play instead of Calabria there would be no goal for Roma but the stubborn Pioli will put anyone in the pitch just not Simic. I am sure there is something related to his contract or what not.
We definitely not need another defender and Conte is not happening, its just too far off from the Milan system and owners ambitions I belive
Simic at RB?
That ain’t it.
I think he’s brilliant but he’s young and there’s no point of playing him out of position to tank his confidence.
People should just stop with this Conte thing already. He’s not good for Milan.