GdS: From recklessness to pragmatism – Milan’s lack of identity evident against Juve

AC Milan were outclassed by Juventus at Allianz Stadium on Saturday evening, with the game finishing 2-0. As highlighted by Gazzetta dello Sport this morning, there are many issues to solve for Sergio Conceicao. 

Indeed, Juventus more or less dominated the game from start to finish and deserved to clinch all three points. As the pink newspaper begins (see photo below), the fear among the fans is now that Milan have gone from the recklessness of Paulo Fonseca to the exasperated pragmatism of Conceicao.

From carefree attacks to poorly conceived defensiveness, Milan are lacking an identity and that was made very clear yesterday. Aside from a few counter-attacks in the first half, the Rossoneri truly struggled and had to fight for their survival for most of the game.

Indeed, in the first half, Juve controlled the ball more with a possession advantage of almost 70-30% at half-time. On the other hand, Milan had more shots on target (3-1) and could have found the back of the net, denied by several blocks and saves.

All of the doubt was settled in the second half, though, as it became clear that the evening would work out in Juve’s favour. Milan failed to win back the ball and couldn’t escape the high press of their opponents, not even creating counter-attacking chances anymore.

Goals from Samuel Mbangula and Timothy Weah sealed the deal, exposing Milan’s cracks at the back, and Conceicao’s initial effect has seemingly worn off. The Rossoneri have taken two steps back and now need to regroup, starting with the transfer window.