Journalist Franco Ordine has praised AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli for taking a bold ‘gamble’ with his selection choices for Tuesday night’s Coppa Italia win against Cagliari at San Siro.
Just before 20:00 CET on Tuesday there were some eyebrows raised as Pioli decided to go with quite an interesting starting line-up which featured the likes of Antonio Mirante, Jan-Carlo Simic, Alex Jimenez, Luka Romero and Chaka Traore against an also rotated Cagliari side.
It was a decision supported by the club’s management given the number of injuries and starters needing rest. Ultimately it would prove to be the right one as Luka Jovic continued his good form with a brace, while Chaka Traore netted his first goal for the club and Rafael Leao even got one off the bench.
The reward? Milan will now host Atalanta at San Siro for a one legged quarter-final in the Coppa Italia to try and reach the final four. The date and time for the game were confirmed earlier today.
Ordine published his usual weekly column on MilanNews and he chose to address the decision by Pioli to put so much faith in the youth and reserve options amid what he calls a ‘climate of mistrust’.
“It was a gamble. A successful gamble but still a gamble. Well done not only for Cagliari’s resistance which crumbled under Jovic’s goals but also because there was the generous application of some youngsters and the decisive contribution of VIPs such as Theo Hernandez and Jovic (plus Leao in the final without forgetting Mirante) who completed the operation,” he began.
“Why did I think about gambling as soon as I read Tuesday night’s lineup? Simple: because I made this reasoning. Napoli and Inter have already exited the cup, perhaps there is the possibility – table in hand – of reaching the end of the tournament, especially if there is a further setback in the league compared to the top positions.
“That there was a climate of mistrust towards the deployment decided by Pioli is confirmed by the fact that the club’s CEO Furlani intervened at five in the evening to let it be known through Sky Sport that ‘the club shared the coach’s choices’.
“Well: successful gamble. Behind the gamble there is a merit that must be attributed to the Parma coach and naturally concerns Luka Jovic.
“Now the same social networks that called for his immediate repatriation to Florence, or the critics who denounced the need to resort to the winter transfer market for a ‘worthy replacement for Giroud’, faced with the current streak of 5 goals in 7 games are starting to act, slowly and headlights off, reverse.
“In many cases you just need to be patient. And go and reread that comparison I wrote a few columns ago right here on MilanNews when I ventured to draw a parallel between Jovic and the Crespo of 2004-05.
“Some under 20s from the Primavera are starting to blossom and for this credit must be given to the club who have chosen some exponents (for example Jimenez coming from Real Madrid or Simic discovered in Germany, both last season) a sign that Moncada’s office, especially in at the very young level, it works very well together with the great work of Ignazio Abate who has already achieved prestigious results in this period by passing the UEFA Youth League group stage.
“Naturally, the use of the Primavera squad decided by Pioli was not a simple whim but a necessity also dictated by the large number of injured players as well as by the loss of one of the two (Bennacer) who left for the African Cup of Nations.
“And it is precisely starting from this condition that the winter market must be managed. I understand the strategy of the club which does not intend to burden its balance sheet – given that it now has to walk on its own two feet, without contributions from the shareholder.
“But knowing that the very regular players Tomori, Thiaw and Kalulu can return between the end of February and later when the season will be in the plan of the development, it is the case of propping up the defence and not with Terracciano-type bets but with the arrival of at least one pillar after the return from Villarreal of Gabbia.
“I would add that due to Pobega’s surgery, Bennacer’s departure for the African Cup and Krunic’s ‘disengagement’, a reinforcement in midfield will be essential. Won’t it be like this? Very good: they will take responsibility in the event of failure to qualify for the Champions League.”
I mean he did what we all have been asking, more time for jovic, rest leao, give a chance to youngsters, try 4-2-3-1 (Puli was even at the 10 position at the end). If anything hopefully he start trying these or at least new things, PLEASE no more RLC at number 10 position
I prefer three in midfield, but it did work in this instance. But I feel as if this particular double pivot in midfield may be a bit lean against a stronger team, as much as I think Adli and Rejinders did a great job.
I agree with that, but change adli with bennacer after afcon or maybe (cross my fingers) and actual dm and we got some balance there
Exactly. He didn’t take a chance, he did what he ought to have done. “Bravo” Pioli.
The midfield was a bit lean, but I think Pioli has a habit of working well under more pressure rather than less. But I think we need a few more reinforcements, maybe just two at fullback (RB in particular) and maybe another midfielder because of so many absences (especially with Bennacer going to AFCON), though Adli is starting to give us everything to think about.
While Jovic is also in great form, we may want to start thinking of getting another striker to complement him as Giroud isn’t getting any younger and will likely leave at the end of the season.