Milan lost to Juventus on penalties last night and Matt Santangelo highlights three things learned about the Rossoneri in their second friendly in the USA.
The Rossoneri suffered another defeat on American soil on Thursday night but took the lead twice against the Bianconeri who eventually emerged victorious following a penalty shootout. Here are the three things learned about Stefano Pioli’s Milan in their second friendly in the USA. Their pre-season tour in America will end next week against Barcelona.
Malick Thiaw
The young German defender came on very strong in the second half of last season, making his full Champions League debut in the first-leg win over Tottenham in the Round of 16.
Blessed with size and athleticism, the praise he receives for his aerial prowess and physical quality is warranted, but he looks to be a sneaky good passer of the ball as well. Last night, Thiaw latched onto Theo Hernandez’s cross from a set piece and headed home the opening goal, an area of his game we saw promise in throughout parts of the previous campaign.
Albeit raw, and still with room to grow as a defender, Thiaw’s growing pains and occasional lapses like we saw last night are part of the process of developing what could be a cornerstone of the back line for Pioli.
Noah Okafor
At this stage of his career, we know what Olivier Giroud is and what he isn’t as a No. 9.
The 36-year-old will give you an aerial threat and hold-up play, but it’s obvious his legs will not be driving him forward in behind the defence. All fine and well as the Frenchman plays to his strengths, but the reality is Milan need someone who can dart into space, control the ball and finish in the box; that’s where Okafor comes in.
The Swiss international has youth on his side, showing to be a shifty forward who can move into wide channels or pose a threat running off the shoulder. Giroud failed to get to a lovely pass early that would have seen him clear on goal but was a step too slow as it rolled behind for a goal kick.
We can fully expect Okafor to provide a refreshingly young, impactful profile up top that can relieve Giroud and stretch the opposing defence to create more goals for the club.
Defensive struggles
The Achilles heel of Milan’s defence for a few years now has been dealing with crosses into the box and set pieces; look no further than the Roma debacle last season. Last night in California, those same glaring issues continued to show themselves.
Juventus’ first goal came as a result of a slew of errors: failure to man-mark, clear the lines and deal with danger. After some chaos in the box, Danilo eventually found the back of the net on the Bianconeri’s third attempt.
In the second half, Chiesa’s put a free-kick into the box, which Daniele Rugani approached, only for it to deflect off Giroud and into Maignan’s net – clear confusion on assignments and lack of urgency to stick to them. Milan may be a more lethal attacking side with the new signings they have made, but they will not go anywhere in Italy and Europe with this approach to defending.
Twitter: @Matt_Santangelo