Three episodes of nervousness during Milan-Udinese. The mini-crisis, even inside the dressing room, will have to be managed by Allegri.
The Milan team came away with a heavy defeat in the last matchday against Udinese. At San Siro, what hurt the entire environment was not only the heavy 3-0 scoreline suffered on the pitch, but, going even beyond the whistles directed by the fans at Leao and the rest of the team, the attitude of some of the protagonists on the field.
As highlighted by La Gazzetta dello Sport, in particular, there were three episodes of nervousness involving unsuspected players that confirm how, inside the dressing room, something has fractured, considerably complicating Massimiliano Allegri’s work.
Saelemaekers' anger on the 1-0
In the 27th minute of the first half, Milan conceded the first goal. Saelemaekers, who had chased Zaniolo for 40 metres, failed to make the sliding tackle to stop the Udinese number 10, and at the end of the action Bartesaghi scored an own goal from Atta’s cross. Once the action was over, the Belgian protested very visibly with a teammate who had remained in the other half of the pitch. Most likely Rafa Leao.
At the 37th minute, this time it was Maignan who looked disconsolate, waving his arms at the rest of his teammates and the defence, after the goal conceded to Ekkelenkamp.
Modric vs Leao
And finally, the last episode at the 60th minute involved Luka Modric, frustrated and angry with Rafael Leao. Modric had headed the ball to him, but the ball was lost after Leao’s failed attempt at a heel pass, while the Portuguese was arguing with Fullkrug. Modric looked at Leao and, in a composed manner, made it clear to him to play simply.
Exposed nerves
The defeat hurts, especially because the standings have now incredibly tightened and because it has allowed Juventus and Roma to come within striking distance, thanks to Inter stopping Como. The three episodes certify the nervousness of a dressing room that is clearly not at ease. The nerves are raw; it will be up to Allegri to treat them and bring the group back together, a group that has lost its way. After all, even Rabiot himself confirmed it at the end of the match: "We have lost the desire to work for our teammate. We need to be more united." From now on, no more mistakes are allowed. The calendar demands it, and after Verona there will be a heart-stopping direct clash with Juventus, as pointed out via Calcio Mercato.
