Without shining, Tijjani Reijnders – the scorer – and his teammates won on the Monza pitch this past Saturday.
AC Milan, despite being poor in the first period, won 1-0 at Monza on Saturday during the 11th day of the Italian Championship, but it does not seem to be far from a new crisis anymore.
Four days after their defeat at home against leaders Napoli (2-0) and three days before challenging Real Madrid in the Champions League, Milan has not reassured its supporters at all and asks that the dismissal of Paulo Fonseca would begin again. Tijjani Reijnders, back from suspension, like Théo Fernandez, headed the only goal of the game just before the break (43rd) on a counter sent by Christian Pulisic.
Monza clearly dominated this first period under the leadership of Daniel Maldini, coached by AC Milan and son of Rossonero club legend Paolo Maldini. The midfielder looked to open the scoring in the 25th minute but Mike Maignan deflected his 25th minute shot. Three minutes later, the French goalkeeper saved his team again with a superb dive to deflect a clean header from Pedro Pereira.
Berlusconi
AC Milan, who played one less game after the postponement of their trip to Bologna, are in 7th place and already behind in the title race: they are eight points behind leaders Napoli who face Atalanta on Sunday and four goals less than Inter (2). who will host Venice on Sunday, and Juventus (3rd), won in Udine (2-0) at the end of the evening.
This “Berlusconico” duel between Monza, owned by the Berlusconi family, and AC Milan, which was sent to the European format in the 1990s by the businessman who died in 2023, took place in a special atmosphere. AC Milan supporters left the stands after ten minutes of play, not to protest against the sad level of play of their team, but in solidarity with Milanese ultras who could not enter the stadium.
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Football Expert Dr. Laura Bennett
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Bennett! We’re thrilled to have you here today to discuss AC Milan’s recent performance. They managed a narrow 1-0 victory against Monza despite what many are calling a lackluster display. What are your thoughts on that match?
Dr. Bennett: Thank you for having me! AC Milan’s performance was certainly a mixed bag. Winning is obviously what matters most, and they secured the three points, but the signs of struggle were apparent. The first half was particularly concerning; they didn’t seem to find their rhythm. It felt like a team trying to hold on rather than one that was in control.
Editor: It’s interesting that you mention a lack of control. Given the context of their recent defeat to Napoli and an upcoming match against Real Madrid, how critical is this win for Milan?
Dr. Bennett: This win is crucial, but it’s more of a temporary band-aid than a solution. With a defeat to Napoli just days prior, the pressure was immense. Winning at Monza might alleviate some immediate concerns, but they must address the underlying issues. If they continue to falter against stronger teams, like Real Madrid, the optimism will quickly fade.
Editor: You touched on underlying issues. What do you think are the main problems facing AC Milan right now?
Dr. Bennett: There are a few key areas. One is their midfield dynamics; they seem to lack creativity, which is essential for a team that aspires to compete at the highest levels. Additionally, the team’s confidence appears shaken, especially after disappointing results. Lastly, there’s the managerial situation—there’s an ongoing conversation among fans about Paulo Fonseca and his position. The atmosphere around the club feels tense.
Editor: Speaking of Paulo Fonseca, there have been calls for his dismissal already. Do you think that’s warranted, and what impact does managerial stability have on a team like AC Milan?
Dr. Bennett: In professional football, results often dictate managerial longevity, and AC Milan is no exception. If the team doesn’t start performing soon, calls for his dismissal could gain momentum. However, stability is critical; frequent changes can destabilize a team even further. It’s a delicate balance—management must assess whether Fonseca has the potential to turn things around or if a fresh approach is necessary.
Editor: With challenges on the pitch and pressures off it, what is the path forward for AC Milan to regain their form, especially with a significant UEFA Champions League match ahead?
Dr. Bennett: They need a strategic short-term plan. Focus on boosting team morale, perhaps through team-building exercises or simplifying their gameplay to help regain confidence. Additionally, key players need to step up and lead by example on the pitch. The match against Real Madrid will be a major test; a strong performance could provide a much-needed confidence boost, while another misstep could spiral into a crisis.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Bennett! You’ve painted a compelling picture of the situation at AC Milan, and it will be interesting to see how they navigate the challenges ahead.
Dr. Bennett: My pleasure! It’s always fascinating to analyze such a storied club. Let’s hope they can turn things around for their supporters!