AC Milan, for the second time of the season, have suffered a loss. Both against two top Serie A clubs: Inter and Juventus.
The mistake by Malick Thiaw and the subsequent expulsion of the German defender inevitably influenced the match at San Siro, but one of the most evident critical issues of this 23/24 season has emerged again: the difficulties in the scoring phase.
A possible explanation for this problem comes from the different attitude of the midfielders after the derby defeat, but the numbers bring to the surface a long-standing issue: the number 9.
Olivier Giroud's goal dourght continues for AC Milan...
Olivier Giroud did not disgrace himself against the Bianconeri and only a great save from Szczesny denied him a goal with a left-footed shot. A glimmer of hope that has further extended the drought of the experienced French striker, who is now dry for almost two months: his last goal was a penalty against Roma on September 1, but to find a goal from open play, you have to go back to the first match of Serie A, on August 28 in Bologna.
AC Milan and Pioli have found alternative goal scoring solutions thanks to Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic, namely. However the starting striker must be capable of putting the ball in the net. Giroud's lack of contribution also affect the team's performance in the Champions League. 0 goals have been scored in the European competition, but the hope is to be able to find the net in Paris in the next few days.
Olivier Giroud must be managed in a better way by AC Milan coach Pioli.
Giroud has stalled and needs to be managed as he is 37 years old, the problem is that behind him there is a void. Luka Jovic "came on well, held the ball well and his condition is improving" said Pioli after the defeat to Juve. But that's not enough for Milan and the difficulties shown in the four appearances he has collected so far (of which only one as a starter, in Genoa) have reignited the doubts expressed by the Rossoneri environment after his signing from Fiorentina, believing that the importance of the vice-Giroud had been underestimated once again.
Noah Okafor can also play in that role, but by the admission of Pioli himself, he is not the first choice as an alternative to the Frenchman. Yet, at the end of the day, the Swiss scored against Cagliari the only other goal from open play scored by a Milan player employed as a centre-forward in this season. Two goals from open play in 11 games, two goals from open play out of 16: the contribution of the number 9s is a problem for Milan, concludes the report from Calciomercato.com.
