Parma 1-1 AC Milan: Five things we learned

After winning against Lazio in the previous fixture, Milan are back to disappointment having gotten only one point in their clash away to Parma.

The team showed lack of creativity on the field and had troubles when attacking, most of the possession they had was passing at the back, but fortunately, in the second half, Samu Castillejo scored a header to give Milan the lead.

Despite the lead, however, the Rossoneri did not do well to keep the result. They conceded a silly free kick in the last minutes of the game, which was scored by Bruno Alves as he equalised the result.

Here are five things we learned from the game:

1. Better late than never

In the second half, Gattuso made a substitution, bringing Castillejo on the field. The Spaniard managed to score the opening goal as well as providing speed on the flank and Milan’s attacks.

Samu has had decent performances when given a chance, but the coach keeps playing Borini instead of him. In the game, we saw slow paced attacks with no creativity and a player like Castillejo might provide some sharpness to the attacks and Gattuso may consider playing him on the wing if he decided to stay with the 4-3-3 formation.

2. Rushing Paqueta in action is a necessity

Paqueta received an injury a few weeks ago but has impressed in what was his first game at the Attacking midfield position. The Brazilian has been showing his qualities since the first game he played, but giving him a more free role behind the strikers made him look even better.

While, Milan, somehow are still in top four, they have to throw everything they have in the remaining games, and while Paqueta was on the bench against Parma, Gattuso should rush him into play as he is arguably the most creative player Milan has and would be a threat for the opponents.

3. Ditch the width, go narrow

A hot name joined Milan in January, that of Krzysztof Piątek. With the arrival of the Pole, many people have stated his similarity with Patrick Cutrone and thus concluding that the two are not able to play together. However, against the odds, when Milan played Udinese Gattuso started them both upfront in a 4-3-1-2 formation.

Excluding the wingers from the formation seemed like a thing which Milan could continue to do as the Piatek-Cutrone partnership looked great with Lucas Paqueta behind them. Unfortunately, due to Paqueta’s injury, the Rossoneri were forced to go back to the 4-3-3, but now with everyone fit maybe it is time to go more narrow again as Milan’s wings are not bringing the needed efficiency.

4. Milan need leaders

Getting only one point from Parma is Milan’s eight time in this campaign where they lose points after taking the lead. On six occasions they have taken just one point, and on two they have lost all points which sum up to eighteen points dropped from winning positions.

Silly mistakes are often what is stopping the team from closing the game, and maybe the lack of real leaders on the field. Except for captain Romagnoli, it seems that no player is possessing a leadership trait, a player who knows what to do to secure the lead and points.

The young age and lack of experience may be a factor for that, but Milan’s qualification for the Champions League is vital for the club itself, and the players need to find courage for the remaining games and leave their lungs on the field.

5. Gattuso’s passion is needed.

Everyone knows what type of player Gennaro Gattuso was. While he cannot help the team on the field, his fierce character has to move into the heads of his players.

In recent weeks Gattuso does not seem like himself judging by the interviews he is giving as he does not seem confident and passionate as we know him. Hard days are what make the champion, and the Italian is a true warrior.

It’s time for him to wake his players as a vital aspect of a player game is his mentality and Gattuso, for sure, is a person who can make you run all over the field with great passion and desire to defend the Milan badge.