Question marks have emerged about Massimiliano Allegri and AC Milan’s approach to Sunday’s game against Fiorentina, an eventual 1-1 draw.
After Milan had all the big chances in the first half, Fiorentina went ahead through a Pietro Comuzzo header midway through the second half, and it looked like they were heading for another big win.
In the final minute of the 90, Milan did get themselves back on level terms through Christopher Nkunku, and eventually it ended all square despite La Viola rattling the bar late on.
Questions to answer
MilanNews ask the question: why all six substitutions in one game, and why not share them with the Genoa match on Thursday night? Why is the team still not in peak physical condition? Will those who couldn’t believe the cynicism that pervaded Milan until the last two games ago be happy?
Fiorentina-Milan leaves some obvious negative thoughts and feelings, but there are also those who might see the glass half full. The last defeat came in August, against Cremonese, then came 18 consecutive unbeaten games.
For a team that finished eighth last year, that is not to be underestimated. Of course, the defence isn’t as focused and ferocious as Allegri would like, yet there are no longer the complete meltdowns that were seen at times in the past few years.
Milan can’t seem to maintain consistency in both halves. Against Cagliari and Verona, there were hints of a change of pace, at least in terms of control and the feeling of being able to manage the game. Against Genoa and Fiorentina, it was back to the same old routine: one half out of two was played well.
If the Rossoneri had ended the first half three goals up, would anyone have had anything to say? If Max Allegri’s men had ended the second half three goals down, would the performance have been perceived differently.
For the second consecutive match, a late equaliser arrived and then chaos followed. Confusion led to enormous danger: against Genoa, Stanciu fired a penalty sky-high, then on Sunday evening Brescianini hit the crossbar spectacularly, and Maignan kept out Kean.
Pulisic missed two one-on-one chances, one where he didn’t shoot early enough, and another where he perhaps went too early. It’s easy to say from the couch and with hindsight, but we’re talking about the team’s top scorer and a player who has consistently delivered, so expectations shift.
Fofana and Nkunku came on and made a positive impact. It was a great way to give even more mental strength to two players who have struggled this year. Nkunku shot with a power and intensity we had not seen before, while Fofana showed he’s much better applying the final pass than final shot.
Estupinan and Bartesaghi were both inadequate. A bad game is possible, and Dodo was lively on Milan’s left side. Jashari and Ricci are obviously no Modric or Rabiot, but it’s fair to expect something more from the two midfielders, especially in terms of technique and ball management.
Loftus-Cheek remains a mystery: Allegri on the bench today showed signs of strong intolerance for the Englishman’s lacklustre tackles and lost duels. So, is the glass half empty or half full? What’s certain is that the next few matches will help fill it up or empty it further.
The real concern is the passiveness of this team without the ball. It is a precise tactical choice not to press at all, a way of playing football that is non existing among top clubs. All teams press the opponents at some level, some more and some less. We are completely passive, our forwards just close the center and rarely put any pressure.
We drop too deep, it’s hard to always play long transition of build up from the back. We do have the players to be a bit more aggressive.
“Loftus-Cheek remains a mystery”
Not really. He remains useless.
hahahahahaha This made my day.
Tbh Leao and Pulisic together alone does not work. I think we were lucky vs Genoa.
It has to be either or with Fulkrug/Nkunku or a combination of Leao and puli with either Nkunku or Fulkrug as a 9. Front 2 just Pulisic and Leao has given us our worst attack.
Puli had an off day vs Fiorentina. He could have scored 2 or 3 with Fulkrug getting assists. Would have been a different story if Puli was on his day yesterday
Call me crazy but the universe wants Serie A to go to the wire. Every time the team in 2nd or 3rd drop points, Then whoever is leading automatically drop points as well.
As a Milan fan, this sucks. i want them to runaway with the title. but neutrals should love it and if neutrals love it, then maybe SerieA get better TV deals
Change formation, Allegri! Play Leao and Pulisic in their natural positions, i mean left & right wingers. Play Fullkrug at the centre. By doing that your problem is solved, Mr man