Sandro Sabatini, the Italian journalist, believes AC Milan could have come away with all three points against Pisa if it hadn’t been for an arrogant attitude.
Yesterday’s result, 2-2 against Pisa, was indeed a huge disappointment for Milan as they wanted to cement their spot at the top of the standings. Furthermore, it was a win they really needed ahead of a more complicated period, with the likes of Atalanta, Roma and Inter on the cards.
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In many ways, as also pointed out by Massimiliano Allegri after the game, Milan have themselves to blame for not taking the task seriously enough. Or rather, they should have pushed harder in the first half when they dominated the play.
Sharing his thoughts in an editorial for Calciomercato.com, the journalist Sandro Sabatini criticised Milan for having an ‘arrogant’ attitude for much of the first half. In the end, it cost them the win and made them waste a fantastic opportunity in the standings.
“It was supposed to be the night of the surge to the top, but instead Milan slowed down and, indeed, even celebrated the equaliser.
“A wasted opportunity for Allegri, who is experiencing a curse of sorts with the newly-promoted teams: on the opening day, Cremonese won at San Siro, while Pisa came close this time.
“Why did this happen? A question with many answers. The most significant: Milan’s arrogant attitude in the first half, as well as the lack of a centre forward in both halves.
“In general, even if it can’t be used as an excuse against Pisa, Milan can only tolerate the absences of players like Rabiot, Pulisic, and Loftus-Cheek for so long,” he stated.
Nkunku said himself that his best role is attacking midfielder. Milan needs to get a no.9 so their players can play in their best position in a 4-3-3.
Leao on the left wing
Nkunku rotating between midfield and further up front
Pulisic on the right even though he’s been great as a second striker
433 sacrifices some defense compared to 532 but the attacking gains are worth it since the best players on the team are attackers playing out of position.
A back line of Tomori, Gabbia, Bartesaghi and Athekame with De Winter, Pavlovic, Estupinan as subs.
Salamaekers loses out in a 4-3-3 but can be subbed into a 3-5-2 with second half leads.
3-4-3
Saelemaekers and Estupenian or Bertesagi will get the opportunity to feature as fullbacks to support Leao and Puli in their preferred positions.
Gimenez’s lack of form has made Allegri sceptical to field a lone striker.
Sabstini is completely right. The Leao vibe is back.