It's red alert for Milan's defence. In Reggio Emilia, the serious injury suffered by Matteo Gabbia, a setback that will prevent Amorim from rotating his players as he had planned during the eight matches scheduled before the next international break in November, is not the only bad news for the Rossoneri's backline, which has conceded goals in five of the seven competitive matches played so far (including the Europa League).
The Portuguese coach had expected greater defensive solidity, but instead there was another lapse in concentration from a set-piece situation. It is a problem that needs to be resolved quickly.
Tests Today
Making his first start of the season, Gabbia lasted just 15 minutes on the pitch before, while attempting an unsuccessful interception near the halfway line, he felt a sharp pain in the back of his left thigh and collapsed to the ground. It immediately seemed clear that the injury was serious, and indeed Matteo, who was unable to walk, had to be carried off on a stretcher, with tears in his eyes and his hands covering his face. Amorim, who approached him before he was taken to the dressing room, was also visibly affected and upset.
The No. 46 left the stadium on crutches and will undergo an MRI scan today to determine the extent of the injury, which the club was already describing as serious last night. The medical examinations will establish whether the tendon is involved and, if so, to what extent. In that case, surgery could be necessary, and he could be sidelined for three to four months, as pointed out via La Gazzetta dello Sport in this morning's print edition.
Set Pieces
Then there is the problem of conceding goals from set pieces. Milan had already paid the price away to Torino, when Adams scored from a free kick taken by Gineitis, and against Juventus, when Gatti made it 1-1 following a free kick delivered into the box by Koopmeiners.
At the Mapei Stadium, it was Laurienté's corner, flicked on by Doig, before Odenthal stabbed the ball home amid a scramble in the centre of the penalty area.
Amorim is unhappy with these lapses in concentration and the lack of sharpness in marking opponents, issues that had already emerged during the preseason friendlies (two goals conceded in this manner against Chelsea and one against United).
A solution is urgently needed.
