AC Milan beat their city rivals Inter in the Derby della Madonnina which means the two clubs now sit fifth and sixth with the same amount of points and games played.
The win is huge for several other reasons too. For example, Milan had lost the last six derbies and because of the win Paulo Fonseca will probably keep his job, for now at least, following a dreadful defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League, which left him in a very tough situation meaning the derby was a must-win.
Things started well for the Rossoneri, playing with good intensity and it was rewarded in the 10th minute when they took the lead after a brilliant individual moment courtesy of Christian Pulisic. After dribbling past several players he slotted the ball into the back of the net.
Inter were then allowed a bit more space and the Diavolo were comfortable defending, perhaps too comfortable, though, and in the 27th minute, the hosts got their equaliser.
This is where the game flipped, as the Nerazzurri became the more lively team of the two in the following half an hour. However, Milan raised the intensity in the final third of the game and started creating some good chances all of which were denied by Yann Sommer who had a brilliant game.
Nevertheless, the Swiss international was helpless in the 89th minute when Matteo Gabbia showed some great aerial strength, heading the ball into the back of the net and giving Milan the lead, and above everything, a massive win.
One would hope this becomes a turning point for the Rossoneri as it was definitely their best game of the season so far.
So without further ado, here are five observations from the game:
1. Fonseca ball finally in action
We did see a bit of Fonseca’s vision during pre-season but since the beginning of the season, his ideas had faded slightly. When better to bring them back to life than the Derby della Madonnina?
The coach switched to a 4-2-4 – which sounds quite aggressive, and in fairness, it was when the team pressed high – but when on the ball, Alvaro Morata played like a second striker dropping deeper to connect with the midfield and drive the ball forward.
Youssouf Fofana and Tijjani Reijnders were the two in the middle. The Frenchman doing the dirty work allowed the Dutchman to be the creative force and this played out perfectly as Reijnders was one of the best on the pitch, and was constantly causing trouble for the opposition.
At the back, we finally saw stability, despite the conceded goal, and the decision to replace Strahinja Pavlovic with Gabbia proved crucial as the Italian scored the winner. He also played a very solid game defensively.
Lastly, we could argue that Rafael Leao was isolated amidst all the positives, but we did see him get more involved in the second half. Furthermore, we need to take into account the class of the opponent, so we can’t expect everybody to have an outstanding game.
Looking forward, Fonseca is now tasked to build on this and he should maybe stick with this formation for a while since it worked wonders.
2. Man of The Match performance
Gabbia was given the chance to start replacing Pavlovic in the Starting XI and he produced a masterclass of a performance, winning our MOTM in our post-game ratings. The Italian has had many ups and downs in the last couple of seasons, and even when he played well for a continued period he ended up on the bench for unknown reasons.
Against Inter though, Gabbia proved a point as he played fantastically at the back, both in the build-up phase, where he was composed, and in defending, where he made some very crucial interceptions and tackles.
To top it off, he went on to score a brilliant header and with a performance like this he should be guaranteed more playing time.
3. An engine in the middle of the park
Whilst Pulisic and Gabbia picked up the goals, Reijnders was the engine of this side, and he bossed the midfield for the majority of the game. He had multiple successful dribbles as he seemed to be able to dribble past players easily, but also provided the midfield with a cool head.
The Dutchman knew exactly when to pick up the pace or go for a forward pass. In addition to the lovely cross for Gabbia’s goal, he should’ve probably picked up another assist after a brilliant through ball to Tammy Abraham, but the Englishman failed to convert.
Tijjani also worked hard in the defensive phase, and it was a masterpiece performance. We saw everything from defending to great vision, passing and dribbling.
4. Mixed performance by the front four
📊 The stats from the win against Inter pic.twitter.com/JwBzVNKIxY
— MilanData📊 (@acmilandata) September 22, 2024
There are some critical points to go around too, unfortunately.
For one, Leao struggled to get on the ball throughout the first half and at times in the second half. The Portuguese winger didn’t really involve himself in the game, which is more worrying really as he should be able to move around and pick up the ball rather than waiting for it.
In all fairness that could be down to the coach’s tactics, but it’s not the first time we’ve seen this either. When he did get on the ball more in the second half, he showed a lack of urgency and then failed to make more of a few good opportunities he had. Not a great game by the number 10.
In contrast, Pulisic managed to pick up a great solo goal – his 31st contribution since joining the club – in the first half and combined well with both Tammy and Morata on several occasions. However, he then faded a bit in the second half when Milan shifted to the left, but the American continued to work hard in both phases of the game which was important for the result.
Finally, we have Abraham and Morata, who were great when pressing up front – both were very lively and showed great work rates. The Spaniard also followed Fonseca’s instructions well, dropping deeper to help in transitions, picking up the ball on a few occasions and driving it forward.
Tammy also had a good game, and the only thing that hurt his overall performance was the miss towards the end. It really should’ve been a goal really as he was left 1v1 with Sommer, but the overall performance was very positive against an Inter side that are known to be very good at the back.
5. Improved but not optimal
Emerson Royal and Fofana were the players other than Leao who were probably not at their best.
The Brazilian had a fairly decent game, to be honest. He was solid and the back, and had a couple of good moments going forward. However, he is slightly to blame for Inter’s goal as he left Dimarco to try and close Lautaro, which was probably not needed.
The full blame shouldn’t go to him, though, as Fofana was nowhere to be found and he should’ve been the player to help steal the ball from Lautaro, but he was jogging back instead.
Overall, it was bad from both of them for the goal. Aside from that, they both had decent enough performances after that to help Milan win the game. Certainly a night to build on for both new signings, though.
Posted to another article, but seems more fitting here:
Fonseca should have the balls to bench Leao permanently and shift to a 3-4-1-2. After Pioli was dismissed I resisted a 3 back system manager because of our wingers. I thought Leao might finally take the next step under a new manager. I was wrong. It’s the same old Leao and I have concluded that we should have had the balls to sell him in the summer and shift to a 3 back system manager, like Conte, who has the same Napoli that finished 10th on their way to a title challenge. Just like he did with a Juventus that finished 7th a decade ago.
So bench Leao now. Go with Pavlovic-Gabbia-Tomori as the back three, Theo as left wingback, Calabria/Royal as right wingback, a rotation of Rejinders/RLC/Fofana/Musah as the two middle CMs, Pulisic as the trequartista, with permission to drift wide both to the left and right, and Tammy and Morata up top (with Morata also given some permission to roam, which effectively would create a fluid 3-4-1-2/3-4-3). Call up Liberali to be the reserve trequartista, Vos can be another body for the central midfield, and call up Bartesaghi permanently, since we’ll need another CB as well.
Sell Leao in January and bring in a proper alternative to Theo while pocketing the rest of the cash for summer 2025 adjustments. 11/20 Serie A teams use 3 back systems, 12 if you count Napoli (which played with 4 at the back last time out). Clearly there is a revolution afoot and AC Milan should join it.
Until you have another player that produces the numbers leao does on the team then you keep playing him. It’s as simple as that. If you don’t want leao then management need to buy a player who can recreat those numbers otherwise you are using him as a scapegoat.
What’s the point of selling him when your alternative is okafor who is worse. Even if we sold him for 80millon you can’t trust this management with the money. They will flush it down the toilet.
The best solution is to keep leao on the team until the management can find the balls to sign a replacement not some 20 million randomly from lille
Slightly to blame? What more can you do to be fully to blame? Merda’s goal was 100% the fault of Royal, start to finish.
No it wasn’t. Don’t be ridiculous. He left his man to go help out Gabbia who was beaten on the play and did need help. WHen Lautuaro faked the shot and cut it back, Gabbia was beaten there. It’s possible Pulisic would’ve gotten there to help in time but it was questionable. Still Emerson should not have left Dimarco all alone but it was a choice he was forced to make because Gabbia was beaten. It’s ok to say that. Gabbia had a great game and there is no shame in being beaten by Lautauro, but lets not blame it all on Emerson , he was trying to help his teammate out and if he had gotten any of the ball there people would be praising his effort.
My God. That was absolutely Emersons fault. I was screaming at the screen the others had him and stop drifting over.
Yep!
Well done, you’ve come onto the internet and stated that you know nothing about football. Firstly Emerson is out of position far too narrow for the long ball across to Di Marco, he then gets completely done by the ball back in to Lautaro and instead of marking his zone and staying in the area where Di Marco is dangerous, he follows the ball back in to the centre right next to Gabbia and leaves Di Marco in about an acre of space for an easy goal…in fact all of Emerson’s howlers this season have been due to him being far too narrow. The whole goal was Emerson running round like a headless chicken
Then again I’m pretty sure you’re the one who said Gabbia was rubbish..I suppose you have to try and justify that somehow after his motm performance in the derby
you are ridiculous one, Pulisic has covered enough areas and there is no need to question it, while Royal made the mistake of pressing and leave marking on Dimarco it was not necessary. and he was used to doing that even when he was at Totenham
The one thing I learned, Leao needs some time with the Futuro. Seems Fonseca was trying to prevent further escalation by keeping him on despite a poor show and a lack of commitment, which is becoming all too regular. And yet look at his reaction after being substituted, absolutely dismal. The funny thing is , after his long sulking walk to the bench, he goes and sees a dry plan Tammy showing absolute passion and decides to join him, just comedic.
Everyone knows Leao’s ability, but with this attitude, Fonseca should not be afraid to put Leao to his place if that’s what will help the team. Milan should have cashed in on long ago him and moved on already.
*dry loan Tammy.
*dry loan Tammy.
6- We’re more suited for a low block and pressing with a deeper line and more of a counter attacking style of football. Yesterday we gave away possession (44%) and had overall less passes than inter. On average, our players are among the fastest and the youngest in serie A, we should use this to our advantage.
7- If the 4-2-4 (although it’s a bit a hybrid of a 4-2-3-1) becomes our main formation, we should think about who can sub Morata and Abraham.
8- We still have some work to do finishing wise (especially Leao)
9- Gabbia should become the regular starter in the defense and be promoted captain one day.
10- Both Theo and Leao have been criticized before the international break. Both have taken a different approach from one another. I hope Leao learns a bit more from his teammates.
11- We should probably try to make Abraham a permanent deal as soon as possible.
Your 6th point is exactly why I was saying that if Milan fires Fonseca, that the best coach to hire based on the players Milan currently have would be Allegri, not Sarri.
One thing I have learned is that Milan need to sell Leao and it must be done by next summer and reinvest in getting an another striker.
Leao is not needed in this team because Pulisic favored position is on the left. So we only need to find another winger for the right.
Leia’s attitude and effort are nonexistent for a professional player. He is lazy and he doesn’t work hard to make a difference in the defensive phase of our game.
At this stage I wouldn’t mind if he got benched more because he cannot be relied on to make a difference.
Maybe Fonseca can play give Okafor a start on the left for the Leece game.
5 things we’ve learned about Shinter:
1. Hakan should learn to keep his trap shut
2. Inzaghi still doesn’t know what subs are
3. Frattesi would’ve been the biggest waste of 40mil in Milan’s history
4. The title race isn’t as straightforward as they think
5. Two stars don’t mean sh*t when you cheat
One thing I noticed about shinter is that even during last season, they slow down considerably after 1 hour, with the exception of some games of course, including the first derby last season. Although I have to be honest, I don’t like watching them that often.
Statistically, if one pays attention, most of their goals came during the first hour of the game and they just try to manage the game from then and sub a lot of their starters. Last season, I was trying to compare Dimarco and Theo stats and was quite surprised to notice that the former, despite playing only 1 less game than the later in serie A, has around 600 minutes less than him.
Someone said that shinter was fatigued because they had 1 less day to rest, but I think them slowing down had also to do with their playing style. Also half of their midfield being yellow carded, Inzaghi couldn’t afford to keep them and was probably trying to settle for a draw during the second half.
I do think they are starting to age…still a very good team but at some point it’ll need rejuvenation
And 7 is more than 3 😂😂
Fonseca ball???????????????? All I see is the victory of a player who has been abandoned and is not the team’s first choice, keep his spirit and show his character
This team is much more suited to be a devastating counter attacking team. Play solid defense and hit on the counter. That’s what we did when we won the Scudetto, we were not a possession team but now every coach wants to play like Man City instead of playing to their own strengths. Hopefully Fonseca will learn from this result.
Milan can be deadly on the counter attacks with the speed they possess from Theo, Leao, Morata. Abraham, Pulisic and Reijnders. The problem is that all of them hold on to the ball for too long, instead of spreading it around to an open teammate.
Add Musah to the mix and you’ll have the entire midfield+attack who can’t let go of the ball.
90% of the teams we play come to block low, you can’t counter against that. Milan need to learn to break teams down and finish teams off early. Too often over the last 2-3 seasons we get the ball to 20 yards and then look clueless, we start going sideways, then backwards, and then before we know it you have the ball with Leao one minute and 2 seconds later Mike has it again
Disagree on point 5, especially when it comes to Fofana.
If we analyze inter’s goal and look who to blame, Fofana isn’t 1 of them at all.
First, Barella is free to make a diagonal pass from inter’s right, Milan’s left side, because Leao isn’t where he is supposed to be defensively. If people haven’t noticed yet, pay attention in future games that opposing teams build their play thru Milan’s left side because they know their player will be allowed space and time to do it.
Second, Gabbia, yes Gabbia who had great game and was the derby hero, losses Lautaro and then gets easily beat off the dribble by Lautaro which leads to Emerson rushing towards Lautaro, leaving Di Marco free, who was kept on side by Tomori’s inability to read the game and move up in line with his teammates. Lautaro was surrounded by 3 Milan players when he made the pass. Gabbia, Emerson, and Pulisic.
A conceded goal is almost never a one man’s fault.
It was a great and well-deserved win. Outside of that one situation, Milan played very well defensively. You can knock Fofana for some of his passes, but defensively, he was great.
There were a couple of derby wins over the last 6 years that even though Milan won the games, they were not the better team. Yesterday, they won and were the better team for most of the game. Kudos to the players and Fonseca. For the 1st time they played as a team. Hopefully, this was a start of something good and not just a one-off.
What on earth are you talking about? Gabbia doesn’t lose Lautaro at all. Gabbia stays in position…he doesn’t get dragged away from his zone. Lautaro is a class player and he notices the GAPING hole left by Emerson doing his headless chicken act, and pokes it through to Di Marco who is the freedom of Milan to take his shot….seriously, go and play the game a few times. Emerson gets pulled from pillar to post, he leaves the space empty
Gabbia was beaten. It was clear. It’s ok to admit that. Both things can be true. Gabbia had a great game. He was also beaten by Lautauro on that play. It happens. You can still say Gabbia had a great game and that he was beaten by Lautauro on that play, because he was. That’s why Emerson left his man and came to help.
Our futuro team is struggling a bit. Kinda expected for a brand new team
Kind of expected for a squad of 17, 18 and 19 year olds playing against professional grown ups, even if it’s the third division. Now the question is: what happens when they get relegated?
Bro, that Inter goal was not Emerson’s fault, neither is it Fofana’s.
Tomori failed to step up, he played Dimarco onside. He let Gabbia down with his laçk of awareness, he stayed back when everyone stepped up!
Inters Goal is 100% to blame on Leao. He lost the Ball in the worst possible spot, didnt try to recover. You saw it live. It was almost like he had a Bet on this game, for inter to win, hmm. But no player would ever gamble