Stefano Pioli was widely criticised by the Italian press following Milan’s painful 5-1 Derby della Madonnina loss to Inter.
The Rossoneri again failed to hit the mark against their intercity rivals, suffering their fifth consecutive derby loss to the Nerazzurri. The result now leaves Inter uncontested at the top of the table.
Milan had started the season in strong fashion but will now have to shake off this derby loss ahead of their Champions League campaign opener against Newcastle on September 19.
La Gazzetta dello Sport were thoroughly unimpressed with Pioli’s work in the derby, highlighting the poor results of his changes and the need to not overreact after the defeat.
“Changing everything after four derbies lost and losing the fifth one more decisively than the previous ones hurts. Instead of discontinuity, we saw Mkhitaryan ride into the net undisturbed and Milan suffer transitions, like last season.
“Judging from yesterday, the market and the new physicality have served little purpose. It’s hard work not to overdramatise the bad thud, because Tuesday is the Champions League.”
Tuttosport echoed these sentiments, underlining the poor performance of Milan and their unconvincing changes throughout the game, writing: “Milan after five minutes melted like snow in the sun and, even more seriously, stopped playing after 3-1. They shut down, uselessly switching to 4-2-3-1.”
Milan were the most active team in the summer transfer market in Serie A, putting the pressure on Pioli to deliver results after last season’s disappointing fourth place finish.
Pioli’s ratings in the Italian newspapers
Gazzetta dello Sport: 4.5
Tuttosport: 4
Corriere dello Sport: 5
Corriere della Sera: 4
Needs to go. Never liked him