AC Milan lost for the second time this season last night against Juventus and thus the inquest begins on what exactly went wrong, aside from Malick Thiaw’s red card.
Calciomercato.com write how one of the most evident critical issues from the start of the 2023-24 season have been the difficulties in the scoring phase, and it once again raises questions about the centre-forward role.
Olivier Giroud started up front against Juve and only a truly world class save from Szczesny denied him a goal with his left-footed shot. However, the fact remains that he is now without a goal for almost two months, and he hasn’t scored from open play since round one in Bologna.
Milan and Pioli found alternative solutions by finding goals from the wingers Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic, but the lack of goals from the Rossoneri’s No.9 made itself felt, especially in the Champions League.
There are four teams ahead of Milan (16) in the league (Inter 24, Roma and Napoli 20, with Fiorentina at 18) when it comes to goals scored, while Juventus and Atalanta are hot on their heels (15).
Giroud is 37 and must be managed carefully, but Luka Jovic has shown little in his four appearances so far (of which only one as a starter, against Genoa) and have fuelled the doubts expressed by the fans after his signing from Fiorentina.
Noah Okafor can also play in the centre-forward role, but by Pioli’s own admission he is not the first choice as an alternative to Giroud.
Yet, all things considered, the Swiss scored against Cagliari the only other goal from open play scored by an AC Milan player deployed as a striker this season.
Two goals from open play in 11 games, two goals from open play out of 16 total: the contribution of the No.9 role is a problem for Milan.
We’re missing a real 9 and therefore goals, we get it…
What we are missing is not a number 9 as we have him ..Olivier Giroud.. He needs very good service ,,that did not happen ,despite all the possession we had ..
That said he was the only one that got a shot on target and only a great save stopped him..
We we’re definitely the better team ,,but the red card and sending off cost us a win ..tomori did very well ,but our midfield didn’t create many chances .
What we do need is Loftus cheek back as soon as possible..Rafeol leao I thought did very well ,but it’s difficult when a team defends as deep as juventus do .
I still believe we will win the scuddeto this season .