In today's print edition of Tuttosport, we read about Stefano Pioli's situation with AC Milan. The Rossoneri, in fact, have gone from being in first place in the league table with a 2-point advantage over the second to third in standings. Already with a 6-point gap from Juventus, now second, and 8 points behind Inter, the tournament leader. This was all just in one month's time.
Excluding, in fact, the beautiful success achieved at 'San Siro' against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League Competition (2-1), the last month for Pioli's Milan has been a disaster. Two home defeats, 0-1, against Juventus and Udinese, and two away draws, both 2-2, against Napoli and Lecce, both coming after a situation of a double advantage for the Rossoneri.
A deficit march record, 2 points in 4 games, which, combined with the injury problem, has ended up putting Pioli and his staff in an uncomfortable situation. In the past, the coach has faced and overcome difficult moments.
Now, however, he seems to be truly under scrutiny. The Italian newspaper writes that the initial evaluations made at Casa Milan do not immediately put him at the risk of being sacked. But, it is clear that in two weeks, when the league resumes, a turning point is needed.
Milan-Dortmund, a crucial juncture of the season...
The Serie A match against Fiorentina (Saturday, November 25) and, above all, the Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund (Tuesday, November 28) will be crucial.
In the event that the Rossoneri do not beat Dortmund, thus discarding the possibility of playing for qualification to the Champions League round of 16 in the last group stage match in Newcastle, discussions about Pioli's immediate future would inevitably resurface.
