After 17 minutes of Monday night’s game at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, AC Milan were staring down the barrel of back-to-back defeats, but they roared back.
When Nikola Vlasic buried a penalty and Duvan Zapata ended his goal drought to put the home side 2-0 up, it looked like Milan’s dreadful record in away league games against Torino was almost certain to continue.
However, Adrien Rabiot’s beautiful 29-metre strike not long after Zapata’s goal inspired hope, and then it was the Christian Pulisic show. The USA international had shaken off flu to make the squad at the last minute, and he netted a clutch second-half brace off the bench to complete the comeback.
It is only Milan’s second win in 13 games away in the league against the Granata, and it sees Massimiliano Allegri’s men return to the summit in Serie A after Inter and Napoli won. Ivan Stoev has five things we learned from the game.
1. Rabiot paves the way with a stunner
The Frenchman took matters into his own hands and scored a screamer from 30 meters out to start the comeback for his side. In addition to the goal, he was useful in both phases of the game, but the goal warrants praise on its own.
Rabiot continues his great run in the league with Milan, having participated in 6 wins and 1 draw, and it’s very obvious that the team is much better with him on the pitch.
2. Slow starts a recurring theme
Despite the positive season thus far, the Rossoneri continue to struggle at the beginning of their games. Whilst it doesn’t always result in goals conceded, it’s a worrying sign and it could’ve resulted in a totally different situation against Torino had it not been for the individual brilliance from Rabiot and Pulisic.
The fact that Landucci’s team played such good football after the 30-minute mark proves they are a very strong side. However, consistency must be found from the first whistle till the last.
What is annoying is that the goals conceded in this initial period are often not due to impressive moments from the opponent. Instead, the lack of concentration from the Rossoneri is similar in each game.
The schedule in Serie A looks promising for Allegri and his men moving forward, but they need to step on the gas if they want to stay at the top of the table.
3. Shaky at the back, again
Fikayo Tomori was the culprit this time around with a clumsy handball and after a very positive start to the season, the Englishman has had some disappointing performances recently.
He did his job well after that initial mistake, yes, but he needs to be a bit more consistent. Nevertheless, the improvement compared to last season is still evident.
Strahinja Pavlovic was a bit better compared to Tomori, but he had a part to play in Torino’s second goal, given he could’ve done a bit more to stop Zapata.
In fairness, he did close down the striker and it was unlucky that the ball went through his legs, but the feeling is that he should’ve gambled and tried the interception in that situation. Following that, however, the Serbian was really solid – again, which has been the case for most of the season.
Matteo Gabbia was the constant at the back once again; he barely made any mistakes and led his team from the back, involving himself in the build-up and covering for his teammates. Really solid from the Italian yet again.
4. Better but not quite there yet
The game started familiarly with Christopher Nkunku offering little to nothing up front and actually losing the ball quite easily for Torino’s second goal.
But, in fairness, he did improve in the second half and helped his team with some good work, linking up nicely with his teammates. He also opened up space for Pulisic, who essentially sealed the win, which is a plus. Additionally, the Frenchman would’ve gotten an assist for the American too, but he failed to stay onside, and the goal was ruled out.
That being said, compared to previous games, this one was much better. Yet there’s still a long way to go to justify that price tag.
5. Captain America does it again
When the situation was grim, Pulisic rose to the occasion in fashion. It only took the American a minute to level the score and then 10 more to put his side ahead in the game and top of the table.
The attacker had a fever the night before and was on the bench against Torino. Honestly, he seemed like he could’ve done with sitting this one out, but when his team needed him, he seemingly forgot about that fever and did what he does best.
He was in the right place at the right time, which resulted in him bagging a brace. Pulisic is now the joint top scorer in the league with seven goals on top of the two assists he has in just nine (not full) games, as he continues to impress under Max Allegri.
A joy to watch and an impressive season thus far, hopefully he can stay fit and play more consistently from now on.
During the second half of this game, we had 61% possession and it wasn’t juste a sterile possession, although we had to wait for Pulišić to be actually efficient. We had an xG of 1.41 from 12 total shots and 5 shots on target while Torino has a measel 0.17 xG and 0 corners. We completed more passes than Torino ever attempted and aside from Maignan, virtually every player was in Torino’s own half.
What this shows is that we can actually dominate games if we so choose, even with Allegri’s ball.
We had no choice since we were losing, and this way of playing is very risky against better teams with better attacks, as it exposes us a lot, but I think we should consider playing this way a bit more often against bottom teams who shouldn’t have a chance to begin with and not just wait for a goal against us to play this way.
But that’s just my take.
Other than that, this time around I did like what I saw from Loftus-Cheek, Ricci and didn’t dislike what I saw from Nkunku. I’m not going to take away anything from them, but considering the current standing of our opponent, I’ll wait before dropping conclusions about them.
I would be interested in seeing a possession over time statistic. That is, the possession for each team at different points within a block of time, let’s say 15 minute blocks (as this neatly breaks each half into thirds). Yes, we had 61-64% possession overall (depending on the source), but the first half felt like it was 50-50. This means we really turned on the heat in the second half. Further, I feel like it was still only 55-45 for us until Pulisic came on.
It was only AFTER he comes on that we really start to turn the screws. Why? Because Pulisic came on for a defender. We were using 4-3-3 (or something of the sort) from that moment on. THIS is what I think is the real story here. Yes, a lot of how we play has to do with mentality, i.e. how Allegri sets the team out to play, i.e. “stay back and counter”, but having an extra body in midfield or in attack also stretched Torino and forced them to keep more men back. This is why Pulisic was wide open for his second goal. Faster build up (because we had more men forward to pass to) and space creation (because Torino has to keep an eye on an extra player forward). We have the quality to use the 4-3-3. Yes, we were a little more exposed at the back, but this can be solved by leaving one of our mids deep (Modric, which would also cut down on his running and save his legs), which defacto creates a back three as that deep midfielder can drop in between the CBs in possession, allowing the fullbacks to advance a bit.
Interesting theory. I’m a bit puzzled about whether it is correct. Yes, Puli came on in minute 66 for a defender, specifically a wingback Bartesaghi. But Leao had already come off for a midfielder at minute 31. And Milan retained its 3 CBs throughout the whole match.
So once Puli was on, was it 4 at the back? Which of Milan’s 3 CBs was playing fullback?
Great question. So Ricci on for Leao, which pushed RLC up. So that point, it was Barte-Pavlo-Gabbia-Tomori-Saele; Rabiot-Modric-Ricci; RLC-Nkunku. Then Pulisic comes on for Bartesaghi, and then I’m not quite sure, but Saelemaekers definitely goes to the left side, and I think Tomori is the one that ends up at RB, with RLC helping out. Maybe it was a bit of a hybrid thing, but that would still mean that going forward we had an extra midfielder/attacker. But it’s a good question. I actually want to go back and look at the recording and see how we would set up out of possession/in defense!
If you are able to look further into it, I look forward to your insights.
It ended up being a 4-3-3 with Puli on. Which is why we’re more potent up front. Creates more space for our attackers and late run ins, like what puli was doing on his second goal. Nkunku moved to the right and dragged the defender with him which left space for puli to run into and score.
Allegri has to graduate to a 3-4-3 at some point because we need that trident up front for optimal attack.
In the first half, we had more possession but Torino had a higher xG and more shots on target. But in any case, we dominated the second half and not just in a sterile way.
In a 4-3-3, I don’t see how we will play Saelemakers, he is good as a RWB but was never quite successful as either RB or LB. Furthemore, Pavlović, Gabbia and Tomori has shown to be good together in a back 3, it’s a whole other story if you drop one, and force them higher up the pitch.
I think this idea can work against some bottom tier teams but I’ll stick to our overall strategy.
Yes, I was kind of thinking of qualifying the theory by saying it should be employed against teams that are bottom half, and continuing as is against top 8 clubs. Fair point re Saelemaekers. The thing that bothers me is how we simply park the bus even against clubs we ought to be dominating. It’s like the default tactic, regardless of the opposition, and I don’t think it has to be.
We can definetly dominate game while keeping the 3-5-2, just look at how many goals Inter scored in serie A.
One of our problem is that outside of Pulišić and sometimes Leão (but not always) our forwards don’t seem to be able to help in the buildup, in the ball movement, don’t drag defenders,….
Let’s hope we can fix some of these issues by january.
Pulisic makes intelligent runs frequently and follows shots into the box. His runs and crashing the box so often is why he seems to be in the right place at the right time so often. When breaking down his runs he will often call for the ball to spot where he’s making his run. Alexis and Ricci both providing great service for each of those goals.
The amazing thing is that in the past, his teammates haven’t often recognized the opportunity and his runs result in nothing (ball not delivered). There subtly to some and not everyone has the proper vision. Here is hoping the new midfield can continue to deliver balls into him.
About the 3rd point and the defense being shaky, while 2 of the 3 defenders getting called out and the 3rd getting nothing but praise.
On Pavlovic:
“Strahinja Pavlovic was a bit better compared to Tomori, but he had a part to play in Torino’s second goal, given he could’ve done a bit more to stop Zapata.”
“In fairness, he did close down the striker and it was unlucky that the ball went through his legs, but the feeling is that he should’ve gambled and tried the interception in that situation.”
On Gabbia:
“Matteo Gabbia was the constant at the back once again; he barely made any mistakes and led his team from the back, involving himself in the build-up and covering for his teammates. Really solid from the Italian yet again.”
If you go back and watch the 2nd Torino goal. Main culprit is Nkunku for cheaply giving the ball away. 2nd culprit is the central of the 3 midfielders Modric for being out of position out wide right raising his hands asking for a foul instead of running. 3rd culprit, the middle of the 3 center backs Gabbia. Vlasic is running with the ball dead center down the middle of the pitch, Gabbia, for reason only known to him drifts left next to Pavlovic who is already there marking Zapata. Gabbia then moves back in the middle but instead of stepping up to stop the ball (“but the feeling is that he should’ve gambled and tried the interception in that situation”) and force Vlasic into passing the ball earlier or dribble at which point Gabbia can just take a tactical foul, Gabbia backtracks, backtracks, backtracks and then slips and falls down.
Vlasic ran 3/4 of the pitch unbothered by anyone in Milan jersey.
If you going to analyze a goal then analyze the whole sequence, not just the last frame. Pavlovic did what he was supposed to and was where he was supposed to be, but the ball went through his legs. Where was Gabbia, what did he do and what role did he play on the 2nd goal?
Pavlovic also played a big role in Milan’s 2nd goal by dragging the attention of 3 Torino defenders in the penalty box which left Pulisic wide open.
Gabbia as the spare man generally avoids committing himself. Had he been beaten then Milan would’ve been in big trouble.
There’s not a lot you can do to stop someone from running at you and then passing.
“Had he been beaten then Milan would’ve been in big trouble.”
You mean like conceding a goal, which they did anyway?
He held his ground, pushed the play wide.
Clearly he didn’t predict the future that a goal would be scored.
Maybe your imaginary non-Italian computer game player has powers of precognition.
Great points. I’ll add that an attacker dragging three players is the other side of the coin to a defender moving over to cover a player already covered. So it depends on point of view. Was Pavlo being great in attack, or were three Torino defenders being stupid in defense? It’s probably a bit of both. But that’s a comment in isolation, and not a lessening of Pavlovic.
I also distinctly recall watching Gabbia drift over to the left on that play and thinking no no stay central. It’s harder to judge the decision not to step up to Vlasic though. There was a lot of space behind and Vlasic just needs to get by him and suddenly it’s 3 v 2. Better to retreat and eliminate the space behind while keeping your opposition in front of you. But you are 100% correct in that ultimately the culprit is the cheap giveaway and the gap in midfield.
Yeah but the comment in the article is that Pavlovic should have gambled and intercepted the pass. The one that should have gambled was Gabbia, even make a tactical foul to stop the whole play and get a yellow.
Its rarely a one players fault on goals. In this case it was Nkunku giveaway and Milan’s central midfielder and middle centerback being out of position
What you are missing or failing to understand is that Gabbia is Italian, and therefor can do no wrong.
Yes.
But if you don’t like Italians maybe don’t support an Italian team?
@Madlinisheir Or I just judge players on their performance regardless of what nationality they are…
RLC is way better than Foolfana
Two different characteristics.
The main take away from the game was that was a Scudetto winning come back.
So on that note we should be reading comments of joy. But instead it’s yet more criticism and articles looking ahead to the only game anyone’s really interested in – the January transfer window.
The first goal was largely a freak accident. The second goal should’ve been cut out further up the field. There was breakdown in midfield where 1 of the 3 should’ve been covering.
Speaking of which RLC did really well coming back. He also offered a good outlet holding up the ball, winning free kicks, and occasionally turning.
Fofana offers something a little different in terms of physicality and positioning.
He generally wins the ball from in front of the player (which has lead to Milan goals), RLC won a lot of balls coming back.
Perhaps if Fofana had been on the pitch the second goal wouldn’t have happened.
The comeback was epic. Rabiot and Pulisic were difference makers. The sort of difference makers you need to win a Scudetto.
Hopefully Leao is ok.
“But instead it’s yet more criticism and articles looking ahead to the only game anyone’s really interested in – the January transfer window.”
That’s a bit harsh. I see good tactical analysis, which is part of the fun of football, and as of 22.47 not a single comment about transfers.
We’ve got the anti-Italian brigade piling onto Gabbia.
Under the ratings article people started randomly insulting Leao (the Scudetto-winner-hating-brigade).
And there’s been a number of articles about the January transfer window (which is I suppose what about 50% of this site is about).
On another note, inter has just lost their second UCL game against a Liverpool who is struggling A LOT in the Premier League but is actually doing quite well so far in the UCL.
That was an absolutely brutal penalty call against Inter tho. Never a penalty.
It was a penalty, a “soft” one as they call it. Bastoni does these silly tricks – pushing players with both hands, forcefully holding from jersey etc – all the time, and tonight the ref decided to punish.
If you think that’s a penalty then they can call 20 plus penalties every match, certainly on every corner or set piece. It’s absurd.
Idk, maybe you are right. The most important thing is that Bastoni should stop pulling shirts so openly to avoid risky situations like this. He threw away one valuable point tonight.
Bastoni is not even the worst one. Acerbi is a veritable thug. Maybe he’s rubbing off on Bastoni.
6 things I learned, I watched a mediocre Liverpoool team bear Inter. Max can learn from this.
Max showed Liverpool how to beat them.
We sweep both Inter and Napoli this year with both wins and the Scudetto comes back home to San Siro.
I’ve learnt Landucci is the GOAT.
We play attacking ball when he’s in the dugout haha 😂
Honestly I cannot understand the criticism of the back three. Second least goals conceded so far.
I’d rather say Nkunku was the most useless player against Torino. And the other matches he was on the field.