It was another tough evening for AC Milan as they lost the important clash against Atalanta by three goals to two. In mid-December, therefore, the Rossoneri now risk just having Coppa Italia as a concrete objective.
Milan came back from behind twice and still didn’t even get a draw from the encounter with Ataltna, conceding the winner in the 95th minute. A tough pill to swallow, especially for the fans who have grown tired of Stefano Pioli in recent weeks.
Objectives fading
As highlighted by today’s edition of Tuttosport (via MilanNews), the Scudetto dream is more or less over for Milan, with Inter at +9 and Juventus at +7. Of course, it’s still possible mathematically but the Rossoneri would have to go on a winning strike, while the other two would have to lose as well.
Tactically and mentally, as the newspaper continues, Milan look confused and have certainly not left the crisis behind them. The defence is struggling without key centre-backs available and Rafael Leao’s creativity is missing in attack.
In mid-December, with the deciding Newcastle clash up next, Milan risk finding themselves with only the Coppa Italia left to focus on. This would be a colossal flop given that the Rossoneri entered the season with hopes of the second star, as well as going far in the Champions League.
Issues are evident
While Milan almost are out of everything, they are not out of trouble. Against Atalanta, they were tactically disorganised and this resulted in a confusing defensive phase. And when Milan were overwhelmed in the second half, they didn’t seem to know how to respond.
After Dortmund’s second goal, Milan collapsed, and the same thing happened after Atalanta’s second goal even if the equaliser did arrive. The level of inattention of the goal conceded from a throw-in, furthermore, is very reminiscent of the one conceded at the Parc des Princes against PSG.
Calabria’s sending-off, which triggered the attack for Atalanta’s third goal in the final minutes, is the fifth red card in 15 games. A disconcerting fact. Milan keep making the same mistakes and they don’t seem to have a solution.
