Carlo Pellegatti believes that the Coppa Italia defeat to Lazio highlighted the shortfalls in AC Milan’s squad.
Massimiliano Allegri chose to make five changes to the starting line-up from the team that beat Lazio in the league on Saturday night. The likes of Koni De Winter, Pervis Estupinan, Samuele Ricci, Ardon Jashari and Ruben Loftus-Cheek came in, with mixed results.
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One goal was enough to win the game just as it was a few days ago, and this time it came from Mattia Zaccagni with just 10 minutes left on the clock. The Biancocelesti thus booked their place in the quarter-finals, where they will face holders Bologna.
Pellegatti spoke on his YouTube channel and offered his assessments after what was a difficult night for Milan in the capital, one that spelled the end for their cup dreams.
“A match that the Rossoneri controlled for a long time, not dominated, controlled, without Lazio ever being dangerous, but Milan were even less dangerous than Lazio, who had even tested Maignan with a good save at the end of the first half. A first half that saw Milan control well, but it wasn’t enough.
“Milan had their first shot on target in the 91st minute. Then little else, but it was wide of the mark. Mandas only made one save. This match further demonstrates that, in terms of the squad, there is a big difference between the starters and the alternatives.
“It must also be said that, given that the alternatives don’t play much, you can’t expect them to give their all and be in top form, because they struggle more than the starters to get into condition. But what can be officially said is that they’re missing a centre-forward.
“Instead of focusing on other acquisitions of players who might become good in six years, we need to go and get a striker. It’s true, you have Pulisic and Leao, but they’re not suited to that position. You can say anything about Leao’s commitment, his desire, his goals, but he’s not suited to being a striker.”
Strikers didn’t have their shooting boots on this match, that’s all there is to it.
If Leao had managed to score on the Estupinan assist, we would’ve been 1-0 up and on our way to another Corto Muso win.
“Strikers didn’t have their shooting boots on this match, that’s all there is to it.”
Well… To be correct, there were no strikers on the pitch at all. Only one in the whole team and he’s out injured.
Well if you only create 1 chance in a game your most likely going to struggle
But, who will sit on the bench?
Leao or Pulisic?
Or will the happy one change the formation?
Any competent coach would adjust his tactics when he has players such as a proper #9, Leao & Pulisic on his team. None of them should be on the bench. 3-4-3 or something could be the answer. But benching Puli or Leao isn’t the answer.
Agree. Milan are much more dangerous with both of them on the field. I don’t know the answer, but you are probably right, an incoming 9 would/should lead to a formation change. But it seems Allegri expects players to fit/adjust into his system rather than the other way around.