AC Milan’s away form has been a real concern, and the last two defeats against Monza and Rennes have exposed a worrying trend.
Calciomercato.com write that Stefano Pioli’s Milan have ‘travel sickness’. They have conceded seven goals in the last 180 minutes, and 11 in the last four matches away from San Siro: three against Rennes, four against Monza, two against Frosinone and two against Udinese.
Since September, out of 17 matches away from home, Milan have collected eight wins, four draws and five defeats, but above all they have the fourth-worst defence in Serie A when it comes to performance away from home, with 28 goals conceded.
There are several reasons for this. First of all there is the greater predisposition to play an attacking game, something which the ‘goals scored’ column reflects (second-most in Serie A).
Secondly, there is the lack of a player who acts as a filter in midfield: the choices on the market have proven to be quite successful, but alongside signings such as Tijjani Reijnders and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, a Kessie-type player was most likely needed.
Thirdly, there is a real problem in terms of the balance of the side. Pioli tells the full-backs to move centrally and the midfielders to support the forwards, leaving a chasm in midfield and presenting what many are labelling a ‘5-0-5’ formation.
