Milan collected just seven points in the last six games and La Gazzetta dello Sport analyses the reasons behind the Rossoneri’s recent struggles.
Stefano Pioli’s side lost their third game of the season against Napoli on Sunday, the second in the last five matches in Serie A.
They are now four points behind table leaders Inter and eight clear of Roma, Juventus and Fiorentina, who sit fifth in the table.
They have also been eliminated from the Champions League, finishing last in a group with Liverpool, Atletico Madrid and Porto.
So, what are the reasons behind Milan’s issues?
Injuries
Pioli has been dealing with many injuries. Simon Kjaer is surely the most worrying one as the Dane has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
Theo Hernandez, Davide Calabria, Ante Rebic and Rafael Leao also sit out of the match, although Napoli were also without the likes of Mario Rui, Fabian Ruiz, Lorenzo Insigne and Victor Osimhen.
La Gazzetta highlights how it will be ‘very difficult’ to replace Kjaer in the market, especially in terms of personality.
Playing style
The second problem highlighted is the playing style. Milan have been too stretched over the last few games, especially against Napoli.
Milan have lost pace, Rade Krunic has been deployed in many different roles up front and Theo’s performances haven’t been the same as the last few seasons.
Milan have become predictable also due to Brahim Diaz’s drop. The Spaniard hasn’t yet scored since recovering from COVID and delivered just two assists.
Old strikers
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport Milan made a mistake by signing Olivier Giroud. The Frenchman and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have 75 years combined.
They’ve often been injured this season and the same goes for Pietro Pellegri, who is much younger than the other two strikers but is also struggling with physical problems.
Franck Kessié
La Gazzetta dello Sport had already highlighted how Kessié’s performances had dropped off over the last few months.
The Ivorian star sees his contract expire at the end of the season and is unwilling to sign a new one.
Milan have offered him a €6.5m-a-year deal, while his agent has demanded a new deal salary in the region of €8-9m per year.
The pink paper wrote that his uncertain future at the club and the pressure from media and fans may have affected his performances.