In a very bad dynamic, the Rossoneri want to take advantage of the Milan derby to revive themselves.
In recent weeks, the AC Milan ship has been rocking. And this Sunday evening (8:45 p.m.), against Inter Milan, the Rossoneri hope to raise the bar. But the storm of the “Madonnina” derby could also precipitate them into the depths of the crisis.
A drifting champion
The year 2023 had started well for the Milan team with an away victory in Serie A, on the lawn of US Salernitana 1919 (1-2). But since then, in the league, she has conceded two draws, against AS Roma (2-2) and US Lecce (2-2), before experiencing two heavy setbacks, against Lazio Rome (4-0 ) and US Sassuolo (2-5). Worrying. The fault, in particular, of a particularly friable defense (thirteen goals conceded in the last four matches). “We concede too many chances and it also becomes difficult for the goalkeeper. We need to defend better as a team“, explained Stefano Pioli last Saturday, on the eve of facing US Sassuolo. Words that will ultimately change nothing.
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With this series of bad results – to which must be added her elimination in the Italian Cup against Torino (0-1, ap) and her defeat in the Italian Supercup against the Nerazzuri (0-3) – she said goodbye the title of Italian champion which should, unless surprised, go to SSC Napoli, alone at the top of Serie A with a thirteen-point lead. Before the 21e day of the championship, the ACM is in fifth place in the standings. A very disappointing position for the defending champion team. However, in this tumultuous period, the Rossoneri have not (yet) lost everything. They remain in the race for a place on the podium since they point to two small units of Inter Milan, current dolphin of Napoli. It is also for this reason that the Milan derby promises to be decisive for the rest of their season.
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Expected changes
At the end of January, Stefano Pioli assumed his share of responsibility for the negative dynamics of his team. “I know my players well, if they made a lot of mistakes, I am primarily responsible. I tried to be more clear, simple and direct to work better. We have the resources to overcome this period“said the ACM coach before the defeat at US Sassuolo. And this questioning should lead to real change. The Italian press – in particular Il Corriere dello Sport – reveals that the 57-year-old Italian technician, adept at 4-2-3-1, would have worked on two different tactical systems this week in view of the shock against the Milan rival. A 4-3-3 to consolidate his midfield and a 3-5-2 to stick to the game plan proposed by the Nerazzurri. These possible adjustments could allow the Rossoneri to get out of their bad patch and win, as in the first leg derby (3-2). Otherwise, the position of captain Pioli could be discussed.