After conceding two against Cremonese in round one, AC Milan’s defensive record had to improve instantly. Thankfully, it did.
As Corriere della Sera (via MilanNews) report this morning, Milan’s 1-0 victory over Bologna on Sunday evening is the manifesto of Allegri’s philosophy. They restricted the opponents to zero shots on target, and doing that it is almost impossible to conceded.
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More specifically, they mention a compact defence, an organised and experienced midfield, and a striker who must lend a hand in the defensive phase. Moreover, Allegri protected his team even at the cost of a red card, ending up nose to nose with the fourth official after taking his jacket off.
Three clean sheets in four
In the four competitive matches played so far by Milan – Bari in the Coppa Italia, plus the first three league matches against Cremonese, Lecce, and Bologna – the Rossoneri have finished the match without conceding a goal three times.
Yet, the defenders who played are the same as last year, more specifically Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia and Strahinja Pavlovic from right to left. What has undoubtedly changed is their attitude and that of the entire team.
It’s been a short time since the start of the season, but Allegri’s hand is already evident, and not just in the solidity he’s brought to a Milan side that one year conceded too many goals and left opponents with endless opportunities.
Among the coach’s requests to the club was to bring in some experienced players who could be an example to the many young players in the squad, and the management has granted him his wish with Luka Modric.
The eternal champion has already become a key figure for his Milan. With him and Adrien Rabiot, the personality and leadership levels have grown, precisely what the Rossoneri were lacking. That breeds calm, which means less mistakes and – hopefully – less goals conceded.
Was it a coincidence that modric was at end of contract and rabiot was at fight. Otherwise we’re with random or young midfielder.
don’t get me wrong, in no way I’m supporting redbird behaviour but when it comes to the midfield the management has done a fantastic job. Probably Rabiot would not have arrived if Jashari didn’t get injured but overall, the midfield is better than last year and we did loose Reijnders. If we stay without any injury crisis, especially the defensive department I think we have solid chance to get back to CL football which will be cruicial. Tare and Allegri would have the freedom to reinforce the team next year. As always…
Forza Milan and FU Gerry!
Statistics means little or nothing, when playing against somewhat weak opposition. I wonder why Ricci is not starting?
This is what I was thinking when I read the headline.
Let’s give it a rebook after we face better competition. If we’re in the same boat at that point, I’ll consider it a huge success and the right direction for the club.
I know it that the nagging wives association will never see any good in this.
Talking about facing big opposition as if we managed a clean sheet against smaller ones besides Bologna are mid opposition and couldn’t muster a shot on target.
too early.. it’s Bari, Cremonese, Lecce, & Bologna none of them is big5
It’s astonishing we conceded only one goal in three games with our CB’s. Allegri’s masterpiece will be to keep to conceded goals to a minimum throughout the season. bologna has been the toughest team we played thus far. But We will come across Napoli, Inter and Juve then we’ll see if the dam holds.
Funny, wasn’t it Bologna that won Coippaitalia against us last season? They were great in that match, compared to what we played last week, i give it to the team…|
I am glad with the way Allegri is building the team, we’d surpass and win games….
Forzamilan