AC Milan boosted their confidence with a big 4-0 win against Udinese on Friday evening. As always, we have collected five things that we learned from the Rossoneri’s performance.
After the 2-2 draw against Fiorentina, a response was needed from Sergio Conceicao’s men and that is certainly what we got. With two goals in each half, the Rossoneri comfortably clinched all three points and thus boosted their confidence.
With the Coppa Italia still alive, keeping up morale is essential and yesterday’s win will certainly help in that sense. Not to mention that Atalanta are up next, so optimism is needed for that one. Below, we share five things that we learned from the game.
1. Formation change long overdue
It’s been said so many times today already, but we have to highlight the formation change. Three men at the back worked like a charm for Milan as we finally saw a balanced team, and it’s clear that nearly all players benefited from the switch.
The centre-backs have all done well this season, as crazy as that sounds given the numbers, so the fact that Conceicao was able to field three of them helped. Strahinja Pavlovic thrived with his role to the left, while Fikayo Tomori and Matteo Gabbia got the job done without any fuss.
Furthermore, Theo Hernandez and Alex Jimenez were both able to push a little bit higher and utilise their attacking skills, focusing less on the defending. It might be the case that Udinese were the perfect opponents for this formation, but it would definitely be interesting to see more of it.
2. Theao responds in style
It has been a season filled with ups and downs for the key duo, consisting of Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao. Yesterday was certainly one of the better nights, with both of them getting on the scoresheet while also combining really well throughout the game.
Leao was named the MOTM by the newspapers this morning, while Hernandez was the second best, and it’s clear that Milan can get positive results with them in good form. The problem, as has been said so many times before this season, is that we still need to see some consistency.
One performance won’t change the overall situation, but rather it only makes us more painfully aware of how good they can be when they turn up. In that sense, the upcoming games against Atalanta and Inter will tell us a lot.
3. Strikers remain in good form
Luka Jovic got the chance from start last night and while he didn’t score, or provide an assist for that matter, his contribution was clear. With the new formation, he often found himself dropping down and that allowed Leao and Pulisic to take on more key roles in the centre.
The Serbian was very composed on the ball and Conceicao highlighted his importance after the game, even if it wasn’t spectacular. Then, Tammy Abraham entered the pitch and provided an assist almost immediately, before playing a key role in the fourth goal.
In short, while the performances were very different, Jovic and Abraham both continued their good run of form in the win and that was very nice to see. Especially with such important games coming up.
4. Decisive when it matters
You might look at yesterday’s game and say that for most of the play, Christian Pulisic wasn’t super involved. However, when it mattered the most (once again), he provided the assist for Pavlovic with a lovely corner.
Okay, it might be harsh to say that he wasn’t super involved, but if you compare it with Leao or Hernandez, that was kind of the case. Still, it doesn’t really matter as the American opened up space for his teammates and when he did get the ball, he did good things.
On a slightly similar note, Tijjani Reijnders missed a big chance at the start of the game but instead of letting it bring him down, he responded with several good actions. The goal was an easy one, let’s be honest, yet it was deserved given what he added to the game. And it also helped him reach an important milestone.
5. A win that builds confidence, not much more
At the end of the day, while it was nice to celebrate a big win again, it doesn’t matter to much for the league standings. Milan still have a mountain to climb for the European spots and will remain in 9th place after this round as well.
Having said that, building confidence is important especially in view of the Inter game, so we certainly cannot say that the win was pointless. Who knows, some of the rivals might slip up in the next few weeks, which could bring some life back to the league (unlikely).
The return leg against Inter is also scheduled for April 23rd, so we will soon have our answer with regards to the Coppa Italia anyway. The clash against Atalanta is the only one before then so getting another win there would definitely boost the confidence even more.
Conceição needs to settle on a formation and starting lineup. Too many chopping and changing will only destabilize the team.
Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille got shellacked again today. 4 losses in 5 games. Supposedly, he is the savior of Milan because Pep gave him a compliment half a decade ago.
What would make it even funnier is if Lyon, coached by Fonseca’s coaching staff, finishes ahead of De Zerbi’s Marseille at the end of the season. 4 points difference between the 2 teams but Lyon has a game in hand.
Also, he seems like a very mature, composed and stable person.
“The tension is evident at Marseille, as De Zerbi reportedly refused to train his players after the 3-1 loss against Reims earlier in the month, which drew an angry response from the playing staff.
The Italian tactician had been frustrated with what he had seen from his players, and so called them in for training on the Sunday immediately after the Reims loss, and then refused to take charge of the session on the Monday.
Sporting director and former Juventus defender Mehdi Benatia had to step in and cool the situation down, eventually convincing the players to train. They had been reluctant to do so given De Zerbi’s refusal to be involved. ”
If this doesn’t mean that he is the perfect coach to be hired to lead Milan forward, i don’t know what does.
Same way most are clamouring for the Bologna coach as if he’s something special 🙂
Italiano is a much more accomplished coach and much better option than De Zerbi, which is not hard to do since De Zerbi hasn’t done anything as a coach.
De Zerbi is just a media and fan hype.
Italiano actually has something to show for his work. Even though he didn’t win it, he still led Fiorentina to back to back conference finals and he is on pace to get Bologna top 4 finish while playing a very balanced style of football.
What are De Zerbi credentials? Matter fact, they should remove the DE out of his name since his teams don’t play any DEfense. Roberto Zerbi suits him better.
He’s been riding on some success from Brighton for a while, hearing how he acts means he definitely needs to stay away from Milan.
Indeed, de Zerbi has proven more than once that he is not fit for high-level football. The idea that a club that wants to win the Scudetto should hire him is crazy.
One way league like Ligue 1 it’s totally different with Lega calcio bro.. you can’t compared it… You can see Marseille de zerbi, almost they play with 60% up possession football but end up with heavy defeat. Last game was Monaco 3 v Marseille 0. Football it’s about result.
1. We can win by more than one (1) goal margin
2. We can actually end a game with a clean sheet
3. We can actually play more than 2 consecutives passes
4. We can actually play football !
5. We should wait for the next games to make conclusions about this new (?) system.
Agreed, only time will tell if the new system, 3-4-3, is the right one for Milan. Udinese are a weak team, so a win vs them does not tell that much.
It wasn’t 3 man back, more like 5 man back. We won’t generate enough offense against a good team.
Consistency is key. One good result and all goes to the sky. Result is important but consistent performances are required by everyone. The coach has to keep the morale high and keep the players fighting.
Players need to commit themselves completely. This performance was against lt a struggling Udinese. Not taking anything away from the coach or the players, but this performance should be replicated against all the coming opponents. If you can’t win against Napoli or Inter, you should be highly motivated to get a draw. Hell with that go for the win.
Hold up your balls bro.. the real test new Milan formation it’s next week against Atalanta & inter ( copa Italia ). If it works, go ahead. If didn’t work, please the doors always open. Hehehehe
Hopefully the teams above pick up points, and Milan stay stuck in 9th place.
They need to finish 9th to ensure a clear out including Conceicao who showed such disrespect to the captain.
The was a 4 point gap before this round to 8th place. So we were staying 9th this regardless.
Did they not mention that over on SempreComo?
😆
Agree with point that Conceicao’s treatment of Calabria with that on field argument was disgraceful.
I learned that watching Milan play doesn’t have to be like a trip to the dentist!
Formation change made a massive difference and I don’t see any reason not to continue this way.
When Milan loses a match, Milan fans start crying for the coach and the owners. I’ve seen worse times and I’ve seen championship seasons. I liked Pioli as a coach and I was embarrassed when idiots shouted him out. I like Concencaio too. He needs time.
I think the reason is we keep playinh theo as a rb is destroying the team since we dont have a proper dm. Every time our opponent do a long ball or a counter attack he either out of position or too lazy to catch the opponent. Same with the other flank. Our fullback is designed to help the attack. If theo is irreplaceable then just play this formation or find a good dm ( not just technicaly good and physical but also can read the game well). We conceded so much that make our attack seems nothing