The Rossoneri’s red-hot start was halted in its track last weekend by Inter’s bludgeoning and a disappointing draw to Newcastle that indicated there is work to be done writes Matt Santangelo.
During the first three Serie A matches, Milan presented a fresh look to their game.
American signing Christian Pulisic scored in back-to-back matches, showing quickly that he could become the complimentary threat opposite star man Rafael Leão the club has been craving.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek immediately asserted himself as a force in the midfield, carrying the ball forward with charging runs while ensuring stability and solidity did not waver. Then it has been Tijjani Reijnders who has filled the void of creativity without mainstay Ismaël Bennacer and has seamlessly integrated as a plug-and-play option for Stefano Pioli.
Though a perfect three of three entering the international break looked good on paper, many of the same problems that plagued Milan last year still sat below the surface, evident in the 5-1 bludgeoning from Inter on the weekend.
Read more – Player ratings | Inter 5-1 Milan: Mkhitaryan’s magic, Pioli’s fiasco
The rivalling Nerazzurri sat equal to the 2021-22 Scudetto winners on points at the break, with a new cast of their own making strides early on. Inter had already proven to be the biggest thorn in their side, having won four straight encounters in 2023 prior to Saturday’s derby, and in rather quite convincing fashion. As a result of this, this was the first true challenge of the season for Pioli to demonstrate a winning tactical blueprint and get the best of his peer Simone Inzaghi.
That was not the case however as Inzaghi’s group early and often applied pressure onto Milan’s Achilles heel, the defence, and doing so in a manner that was meant to send a statement.
Malick Thiaw had all sorts of trouble keeping pace and reaching the intensity level required to perform at a high level in a derby, while Simon Kjaer showed his age and lack of speed in place of the suspended Fikayo Tomori.
Inter’s confidence to exploit Milan’s main weakness was prevalent throughout as the aggressor, delivering further heartache in what can only be described as an embarrassing derby display. It is early days here, but this was a performance that warranted a major response in the opening UEFA Champions League group stage match with Newcastle United at home.
With emotions running high as Sandro Tonali made his return to San Siro as the opposition, there was the need for Milan to prove a point early they have bounce-back quality in their DNA. Unfortunately, they failed in their assignment to deliver the winning result.
To say Milan had a half-a-dozen clear looks at goal in the first 45 minutes is no exaggeration. Wave after wave, they kept knocking on the door, calling Eddie Howe’s defence and keeper Nick Pope into action with one attempt after the other.
Milan had done well to sweep most statistical categories; 52 to 48 possession, 1.99 to 0.28 expected goals and a whopping 25 shots to the visitors four. Of those 25 shots, Milan had four big chances, all of which they failed to deliver on and none more disappointing than Leão’s spoiled attempt to clear in front of goal.
Unlike in the derby, the defence held Newcastle in check, locking up Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak from testing Mike Maignan with even a single scare. However, they were devoid of the efficiency in the final third, the same which left plenty of points on the table last season.
But, perhaps this is what comes with the territory of a squad revamp. Many players are still adapting to life in Italy, the play style of the league and a new system for which Pioli is working to solidify. Milan have succumbed to very familiar problems in these last two matches, a sign that despite the encouraging start, it remains a work in progress to see out its potential.
@Matt_Santangelo
Pulisic scored 2 goals and people start talking like he is the new Kvaratshkelia of Serie A. Let’s wait at least 10 games to see if this Milan squad are contenders.