AC Milan came away with just one point from their game against Parma last night. As highlighted by a column this morning, it’s becoming increasingly clear why Max Allegri has always talked about making the top four.
The Rossoneri were in a very good position, following the win against Roma last weekend, but failed to build some momentum ahead of the international break. Indeed, the mood certainly isn’t the best now, and the standings have been impacted too.
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As highlighted by Lorenzo De Angelis of MilanNews, in light of yesterday’s performance, Allegri’s words make a bit more sense. Since his arrival, the gaffer has always been very careful when asking about the Scudetto, always referring to the Champions League objective.
The perfect example
The trip to Parma, as the column continues, provided a banal yet obvious explanation: for the time being, the Rossoneri aren’t ready to compete for the Scudetto. In their last five games, the Rossoneri have won just twice, drawing the other games against low-level sides (except for Atalanta).
Above all, the inconsistency is the most worrying aspect because while the Rossoneri haven’t lost since August, you won’t get anywhere with the lapses in concentration. Nor will you be able to put pressure on your rivals by drawing tons of games.
In that sense, the performance in Parma was a clear snapshot of the team’s current state, with highs and lows as well as something in between. There’s room for improvement, but this Milan aren’t ready to aim for the stars just yet.
And perhaps, precisely for this reason, Allegri continues to avoid harsh words and premature promises, focusing only on the Champions League target.
For all the good work Allegri’s done considering where we came from last season there is still one critical element missing in our game…pressing. The so called smaller teams use this to good effect against us and much against his own contentions he admitted that much in his post match interview. Simple yet effective…if we are gonna allow teams to toil with us, kick the ball around whilst we sit deep, in no time they will bridge our defense. I cannot think of a single game where we completely imposed ourselves on the opponents. And just hanging on in games is the worst strategy if you want to win the scudetto, hence talk of making top 4. Allegri said it last night; one of the most recent articles questioned our press ( rather the lack of it), and it is showing. Teams are putting us in trouble because we give them too much time on the ball. Smaller teams have nothing to lose, so they will use the freedom and run at us till we snap. If Allegri can Solve this, half the battle will be won and we can start realistically challenge for honors this season.
Some of the best teams in history sat back. But they didn’t have Tomori – Gabbia – Pavlovic as defenders. Realistically only Gabbia should be at Milan, because he is a youth product.
And in there lies the answer. If you dont have the players for a certain style of play, change strategy. If a better press give you another layer of defense why leave it to the final questionable line of defense to clean up the mess.
It’s times like this I miss Berlusconi. He’d have none of this 5 at the back nonsense
He Allegri shouldn’t play 352 against weaker teams, because they will attack him, and, to me I see nothing to play defensive against them. Play with Leao & Pulisic at the wings and also a striker up top. Attack them & you will see how you will get the maximum point. So, the problem now is your approach, your formation please
Allegri’s Milan lack character. They start matches by sitting back, allowing opponents to do the attack while they wait for a fast break. With this system, the Scudetto is far from their reach. Even the top four finish is a mirage. What a colorless team