CM: The similarities between Fonseca and Pioli’s numbers plus the one key difference

AC Milan’s inconsistencies to begin the season have continued, and the comparison with the start last season under Stefano Pioli is striking.

As Calciomercato.com write, after 15 games played in all competitions, Milan have conceded a total of 20 goals, 14 of which have come in Serie A which is exactly the same as last year. There have been 20 goals scored, again just like last season.

Despite having such similar numbers on the face of things, there is one glaring difference: Milan only have 18 points in the table, while last year they had 23, albeit with one more game played (because of the Bologna postponement).

The defensive record is a real worry, because Milan have kept a clean sheet in just 25% of the games that they have played, while they have conceded at least two goals in seven of 15 games (all comps).

Fourth place is temporarily seven points away which in itself paints a worrying picture, one that suggests it might be more a case of battling for a top four spot rather than challenging for the Scudetto.

There are some positives to latch onto such as the derby win over Inter, a fixture Pioli was totally dominated in by the end, plus the win over Real Madrid. Nonetheless, consistency is needed after the break to avoid another crisis.