AC Milan: Can the Rossoneri Rebound After Inter’s Champions League Thrashing?

After a crushing 5-1 defeat to Inter in the Derby della Madonnina on Saturday night, AC Milan’s Coach Stefano Pioli found himself facing a barrage of questions, including whether he should apologize to the fans. Inter had just made history by defeating their city rivals for the fifth consecutive time this year, scoring an impressive 12 goals while conceding only one.

This latest derby win reaffirmed Inter’s status as the favorites to clinch the Serie A title. Despite the departures of stars like Romelu Lukaku and Marcelo Brozovic, they continue to demonstrate their excellence. However, the focus quickly shifted to Pioli’s tactical decisions and his team’s collapse in the final quarter of the game, which invited criticism and dramatic reactions from fans and pundits alike.

Prior to this heavy derby defeat, Milan had been exceeding expectations in the early stages of the season, alleviating concerns about their summer overhaul. Allowing club legend Paolo Maldini to depart and subsequently selling Sandro Tonali, a die-hard Milanista, left some questioning whether the new owners, Red Bird, truly understood the club’s culture.

With ten new signings in their ranks, Milan delighted spectators with their attacking prowess. Christian Pulisic and Olivier Giroud, both former Chelsea players, immediately showcased their understanding by creating and scoring goals together. The dynamic runs of Tijjani Reijnders and Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s vision and energy added to the excitement surrounding this new Milan side.

Unlike in the past, Milan were no longer overly reliant on individual brilliance, instead boasting options across the pitch and on the bench. However, defensive concerns persisted. Despite winning their first three games and scoring eight goals, they conceded two, raising questions about their backline’s vulnerability.

The absence of Fikayo Tomori, who was suspended after a red card against Roma, loomed large, and even in his presence, the defense appeared shaky. Milan’s summer transfers primarily focused on bolstering the attack, leaving doubts about whether they had truly addressed their defensive issues from the previous season.

The midfield’s ability to shield the defense was also in question. Tomori had thrived in his first season, thanks in part to the support from Franck Kessie and Tonali. However, if the midfield became overwhelmed and overworked, Tomori’s performances suffered.

Unfortunately, Milan’s best center-back was absent for the derby, and the defense crumbled. Inter’s physicality, tactical understanding, and midfield presence neutralized Milan’s attacking threats and exploited transitions effectively.

While Milan’s 5-1 loss deserves criticism, it’s essential to remember that this is a team with ten new players still finding their rhythm. It’s only the fourth match of the season, and greatness can’t be achieved overnight. Inter, with their experience and project continuity, remains the Serie A favorites and a formidable opponent for this evolving Milan side.

Pioli remains resolute in his belief that his team can weather this psychological storm. Although 2023 has been a challenging year for Milan in derby fixtures, Pioli’s track record, including winning two Serie A derbies in a row in 2022, should not be underestimated.

Milan now faces Newcastle in the Champions League, eager to make amends. Their attacking prowess remains intact, and with Tomori back in defense, they hope for a more balanced performance. Champions League success is a priority for Milan, both financially and for their reputation. Only Real Madrid has won more trophies in this competition, and Milan aims to demonstrate their maturity by progressing to the knockout stages.

As for the reader questions:

Demarcus, Harrogate: The chances of a club like Porto winning the Champions League in today’s top leagues are possible but challenging. Squad depth and quality now play a significant role, often requiring substantial financial resources. However, the beauty of football lies in its unpredictability, and every year, we witness captivating stories in the Champions League. Clubs with smaller budgets can still compete, thanks to innovation and well-run teams. Remember that Inter and Juventus have reached finals despite not having the biggest budgets.

Ifeanyi Elekwachi, Nigeria: Jose Mourinho’s stint at Roma has been crucial for the club. His influence extends beyond the pitch, with his reputation attracting players and boosting the club’s brand. While there are critics of his playing style, he’s well-loved and respected by fans and the club. Mourinho seems committed for this last year of his contract, and his decision to stay despite more lucrative offers shows his dedication to the Roma path.

Bill, Cumbria: Serie A has several promising young talents. Keep an eye on Michael Olabode Kayode, Fiorentina’s right-back with impressive skills. Giorgio Scalvini, a 19-year-old center-back at Atalanta, combines elegance with physicality. Samuel Iling-Junior, a Juventus winger, is known for his tactical intelligence and ability to impact games.

Remember, Serie A has a rich history of nurturing young talents, and these players could be the next stars to watch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about AC Milan’s Challenges

More about AC Milan’s Challenges

• AC Milan’s official website
• Inter Milan’s official website
• Serie A official website
• UEFA Champions League official website
• Football Italia – Serie A News
• BBC Sport – Football