33. That is the number that baffled fans yesterday and it could very well be a part of an unfortunate milestone in this Serie A race for AC Milan if they lose the Scudetto battle in the final sprint of the season. 33 shots were fired last night against Bologna, but there was no goal. It was hard to believe for some supporters that despite the domination and multiple attempts, a win was not secured.
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What is blocking AC Milan's offensive form?
The defensive displays have been good. Last night was another clean sheet for Mike Maignan. Fikayo Tomori and Pierre Kalulu especially in defence are doing well without forgetting the contribution of the full-backs and defensive midfielders. However, what is worrying the fans right now is the lack of goals.
The Rossoneri are indeed socring fewer goals. To win the Scudetto, a club needs to know how to unlock these 3-man defences and show more precision in terms of firepower.
The attackers and wingers are not the only problem here. In fact, a big part of the lack of goals comes from the attacking midfielder who sits behind the central forward.
In some occasions, AC Milan played with Franck Kessié as the number 10, Rade Krunic in a few times but mainly it was Brahim Diaz' spot, and even though it was his natural role. He witnessed a decline in performance.
Despite showing just a little glimpses of his old self last night, a lot more work is needed from the Rossoneri's number 10. It is true that Bologna's defence was not an easy target, but it was also not an 'impregnable fortress'. Brahim Diaz lacked the creativity that identified his style of play which was seen towards the ending of last season and in the early games of the current Serie A campaign. He needs to identify his teammates with important through balls but also take the initiative to dribble more in order to create some space for his teammates.
Not only the loanee of Real Madrid is under the scope of discussion right now. But also, Rafael Leao is lacking his usual flair and intelligence. The Portuguese winger is struggling because he is not finding much space. Actually, he could do a lot more when in counter-attacks (therefore, finding plenty of space in front of him to invade). Now, however, teams know that the focal point of Stefano Pioli in attack is the former Lille star. Often, you find the left flank crowded as two or even three players are on him or on Theo Hernandez who tries to give his support.
A lot of pressure is on Rafael Leao as he is not finding he right support and space. Usually, when the left side is so crippled, that would create space either in middle or on the right flank. But, there was not nearly enough quality to cause problems on the right, at least not against Bologna yesterday. Junior Messias had a very bad display and did not give the desired contribution to his teammates. Even Leao on the right and Ante Rebic on the left made no significant changes. The right side is mainly occupied by Junior Messias or Alexis Saelemaekers while Davide Calabria and Alessandro Florenzi who are the AC Milan right-backs do not have the same offensive qualities as their counterpart on the left, Theo Hernandez. There is a clear gap between both flanks. On the right, the players must hit the accelerator. Concentration, courage, clarity and a good reading of the game as well as vision are needed when making the decisions in the final third. Milan are now in trouble and Junior Messias does not convince much anymore. Milan Reports understands that the club is evaluating options in the transfer market to replace the Brazilian next season, but that is another topic for another article.
These three positions(attacking midfield, right-wing, and left-wing), therefore, are an important reason behind the latest result at the San Siro against Bologna. AC Milan must find the next gear to finish the season strongly. The club still has control over its fate, but continuing like this will surely mean the end of the Scudetto dream.
Once the players find the right attitude and form, the offensive players will become more confident which would hopefully channel more motivation and decisiveness to the strikers who need to bury any opportunities that are presented to them. Now, head down and work begins to prepare well for the next fixture against Torino. And hopefully, it will take the Rossoneri less than 33 shots this time to find the winner.
READ MORE: DISAPPOINTING AC MILAN PLAYERS RATINGS AFTER DRAW AGAINST BOLOGNA.
