Why did you make all the changes today and not spread them out, like against Genoa on Thursday night? Is it because the team still isn’t in optimal physical condition? Will anyone be happy who couldn’t understand the cynicism that permeated Milan until two minutes ago? Fiorentina–Milan leaves negative thoughts and feelings, but there are also those who could see the glass as half full.
In the meantime, Milan did not lose: the last defeat dates back to August, against Cremonese. Since then, they have had eighteen consecutive positive results. For a team that finished eighth last year, this is not negligible. Of course, the defensive phase is still not as sharp and intense as Allegri would like; at times, it’s clear that the “sense of danger” doesn’t reach everyone.
One or the other: Milan cannot maintain consistency across both halves. Against Cagliari and Verona, there was a hint of it, at least in control and the feeling of being able to manage the game, while against Genoa and Fiorentina, the usual roulette returned: one half is “good,” the other worrisome. If the Rossoneri had finished the first half three goals ahead, would anyone have complained? If they had ended the second half three goals behind, would anyone have complained?
Management and calm: for the second consecutive match, a draw arrives in the final minutes and then… confusion. Confusion that creates huge dangers: against Genoa, Stanciu shot over the bar; tonight, Brescianini hit a remarkable crossbar, and Maignan saved everything with one of his outgoing saves on Kean. Completely wrong. The team must have the strength to exploit positive moments and put pressure on opponents, but always logically. Let’s not think Allegri likes repeating himself.
As in Turin, today Pulisic missed “easy” goals. The quotation marks are necessary because the American, with excellent help from Fullkrug, created the two chances himself, but then missed them spectacularly. More than the technical execution, it was the choice that was wrong: he could have shot before dribbling De Gea, and he could have lifted the ball instead of pushing it with a banal side-foot. Easy to say from the couch and in hindsight, but we are talking about the team’s top scorer and a player who has always shown exceptional things. Performances rise, expectations rise.
Fofana and Nkunku came on and had a positive impact. Excellent for giving even more mental strength to two players who have struggled this year. Nkunku shot with a power and intensity he had never shown before, while Fofana proved he is much better as a creator than a finisher. A good sign from both.
Estupinan and Bartesaghi were both insufficient. One off match can happen, the opponent was a tough one: when he is on form, Doò is hard to contain. It is right to highlight that the performance was not enough, but less right to create scandals or point fingers. Everyone is aware of the general level; there is no need to look for enemies or scapegoats. Until the end of the season, this is the team, and it is primarily the fans who must protect it. External attacks are normal; there is no need to create problems internally. Allegri will have to be smart in creating an even more united environment, as poined out by Milan News.
Jashari and Ricci are obviously not Modric or Rabiot, of course. But it is fair to expect more from the two midfielders, especially technically and in terms of initiative. Doing the bare minimum feels like a bland stew. Loftus-Cheek remains a mystery: today, Allegri on the bench showed strong signs of frustration at how lethargic the Englishman is in duels and decisive challenges.
So, glass half empty or half full? What is certain is that the next matches will either fill it or empty it further. Who can pour the water is, as always, Milan.
