Monthly Archive: November 2020

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Notes On A 2-0 Win Versus Fiorentina

Tonali replaced Bennacer in the starting lineup as the Algerian had a late inury issue. Calabria celebrated his 100th Serie A appearance.
The pre-match featured a minute’s silence in tribute to Diego Maradona, and everybody paused to applaud the fallen football star in the tenth minute.
In the early minutes Fiorentina had more of the ball and forced corners perhaps trying to take advantage of Milan’s set pieces struggles.
It was Milan who opened the scoring and from a corner. The ball founds its way to Romagnoli who converted a simple header inside the far post.
Soon after the opener the post saved Donnarumma and Milan as Dusan Vlahovic almost equalized.
It was Milan who doubled their lead when German Pezzella made contact with Saelemaekers in the box. Kessie took on penalty duties and converted calmly.
The game changed little but it was Milan who got the next chance as Martin Caceras blocked Theo’s movement in the box and Kessie and Milan got a chance to extend the lead. An extended VAR review confirmed the penalty but this time Bartlomiej Dragowski guessed well and punched out the ball.
Calhanoglu hit the far post early in the second as Fiorentina now with Bonaventura, were trying to get into the game.
Minutes later Ribery was put through with a good ball, in what was likely to be ruled offside, but Donnarumma made an excellent save one on one with the French veteran.
The game didn’t feature much dangerous action as it faded somewhat with little penalty box action.
The game ended with the 2-0 win, the players were seen talking to Pioli via video messaging as they were leaving the pitch.

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Week 9: Milan – Fiorentina

Starting Lineup: 4-2-3-1
99
Donnarumma
2
Calabria
24
Kjær
13
Romagnoli
19
Hernandez
4
Bennacer
79
Kessié
56
Saelemaekers
10
Çalhanoğlu
21
Díaz
12
Rebić
Substitutes

A win against a direct rival is a passing grade. By beating Napoli away 3-1 on week 8 Milan remained unbeaten in the Serie A. The midweek tie versus Lille was a bigger struggle against a pressing, solid team and with the injuries to Ibra, Leao and Saelemaekers the tie looked deserved. Most observers have expressed concerns about the likes of Tonali and Romagnoli but the results have remained mostly positive.

Surprisingly Saelemaekers seems ready to return after being seen in crutches only a week ago but Ibra and Leao need more time. The news on the latter two is still positive as their injuries look to be short term. Late in the week news arrived of an injury to Bennacer but it remains to be seen if it will keep him out for this match or any length of time. As of the time of writing it does not look like it is a cause for concern. Losing him would be a blow especially since the aforementioned Tonali has not adapted and barring the pinpoint pass to Rebic – that led to opening goal – in the Lille game seems out of sorts.

The rest of the 11 is mostly predictable and it does highlight the need for some enforcement as early as January. Rebic, in particular, looks to be best suited for the left wing role and not as an Ibra deputy up front. Other spots such as right wing and central defense are of course mentioned often as well. Kessie got the midweek game off as stand in coach Bonera made the right choice in letting the player rest. Of course the Ivorian will be back to his spot. So did Calabria and he too will be back.

Fiorentina are relatively healthy and feature several oft mentioned players and two former Milan players. Franck Ribery, Nikola Milenkovic and Dusan Vlahovic are starters for the recently re-appointed Cesare Prandelli and they count on Cutrone and Bonaventura as possible and almost certain starters.

Bonera will be the main man on the sidelines as we await the green light for Pioli and Murelli’s return from isolation.

Follow the match as it happens, on the forum.

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Notes On A Disappointing 1-1 Tie At Lille

Injury enforced changes meant a 4-2-3-1 that looked more like a 4-3-3 with Rebic operating as a withdrawn center forward or left winger.
The first half was mostly ineffective with neither team creating anything early and Milan ended the half with zero shots on goal.
Tonali in particular remained a point of concern, unable to pass well and unable to keep it simple. Hauge getting a first start was mostly invisible and was eventually substituted.
The second half brought on an immediate redemption. Deep in Milan’s half Tonali found the ball passed long to Rebic who ran forward with Castillejo. The Croatian passed the ball to the Spaniard who scored smartly evading the tracking defender.
A brief period of livelier play followed but without too much threat on either goal.
After a throw in deep in Milan’s half Lille equalized, it seemed as if the whole of Milan’s 11 fell asleep as the ball found its way to the penalty spot and Jonathan Bamba beat Donnarumma.
Expected subs like Diaz and Krunic changed little. The former easily lost the ball trying to do too much.
The team ran out of gas late as a not so energetic Lille retained possession in the hopes of late win.

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Europa League Matchday 4: Lille – Milan

Earlier in the month, on Europa League’s matchday 3, Lille inflicted Milan’s first loss since the COVID lock down was lifted in the Spring. The match was to be test against a different type of opposition and its postmortem was to be a test of strength, especially mentally. Milan failed that test but have since tied Verona and after the international break beat Napoli with a solid performance. Optimism remains high but dangers lay ahead.

Pioli and Murelli remain at home and are self isolating while a briefly healthy squad is again carrying injuries. Leao was injured on international duty and missed the Napoli match while Ibra and Saelemaekers picked up injuries in Naples. With three attacking pieces on the sidelines for at least another 10 days or more Bonera, the stand in coach, will have to do improvise with backups.

The greatest concern is that Castillejo remains the only realistic option on the right wing. The Spaniard remains unconvincing but will likely play unless one of Hauge or Diaz can play on the right. A change of formation is unlikely therefore at this point a Hauge, Diaz and Castillejo attacking trio behind Rebic is the possible lineup to face Lille. Of course Calhanoglu may start and forego rest and Colombo may be given a chance up front. Tonali should allow one of Bennacer or Kessie to take a respite.

Romagnoli’s form has raised some concerns and since he is apparently not 100% fit he may be given a day off. On the other hand Kjaer has been in exceptional form but needs a rest. Gabbia could therefore get a start with Duarte and Musacchio probably starting on the bench for the foreseeable future. Dalot and Conti may allow Calabria and Hernandez to get some rest however the latter may also go forego a rest.

As evidence showed three weeks ago the French team should not be taken lightly and as Lille are still flying high in Ligue 1 – standing two points behind PSG and first place – the game presents another test. Lille have a few injury concerns of their own as they will be missing Renato Sanches and Zeki Celik. The former had a starring performance on matchday 3.

Follow the match on the forum.

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Diego Maradona Has Died

Diego Maradona has died at the age of 60. One of the Serie A and football greats. RIP.

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Notes On An Important 3-1 Win Away at Napoli

Leao was the only missing player in an otherwise healthy squad but the coaching staff were self isolating and Bonera was the designated coach.
Early on more evidence of Romagnoli’s poor form as he was beaten for pace, the high pressing forced all to retreat quickly and the recovering Kjaer almost got injured when he intercepted the Dries Mertens cross into the box.
Ibra opened scoring from a very strong high header from Theo’s cross.
After the goal Napoli grew into the game slowly while a few questionable fouls were given.
Napoli missed several half chances either shooting high or forcing Donnarumma into good saves.
A counter that started deep in the zone had Rebic running to receive the ball and the Croatian crossed and Ibra finished at the far post using his knee.
Ibra almost a had a hat tick but it was correctly, but very belatedly, signaled for offside.
Mertens made it 1-2 when poor defending allowed the player to control and beat Donnrumma low.
Minutes later Bakayoko got his second avoidable yellow and Napoli went a man down.
Substitute Petagna wasn’t far from leveling the score as he ran past Romagnoli and forced Donnarumma to make a blocking save.
Later on Ibra was subbed holding his left hamstring, Colombo got some minutes as did Hauge and Castillejo.
Very late on Hauge received, controlled and finished confidently to make it 3-1 and end Napoli’s danger.

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Week 8: Napoli – Milan

Starting Lineup: 4-2-3-1
99
Donnarumma
2
Calabria
24
Kjær
13
Romagnoli
19
Hernandez
4
Bennacer
79
Kessié
56
Saelemaekers
10
Çalhanoğlu
12
Rebić
11
Ibrahimović
Substitutes

The international break felt longer than normal. The cross border travel increased the chances of spreading the coronavirus and news of new cases continue to be in the headlines. As far as Milan goes the cases are not travel related as the stricken and Pioli and his assistant Giacomo Murelli. In what feels like a surreal case Bonera will take charge of the team for at least this Napoli game. Bonera, of course, has been part of the coaching team since July 2019 and now gets a chance to be the main man on the sidelines.

On the injury front the team has returned to a healthy state but Leao got injured on international duty. The Portuguese winger will be out for at least 10 days but everybody, including Musacchio, are ready and on the squad. A now healthy Rebic is the leading candidte to reclaim his spot the left attacking side. The rest of the 11 remain predictable for now. Ibra up front for as long as he is ready. Calhanoglu and Saelemaekers beside him. The former remains the subject of exist rumours but is just as likely to sign an improved extension and stay. Bennacer and Kessie’s forms dictate that they start. Calabria, Kjaer, Romagnoli and Theo will form the defensive line in front of Donnarumma. Romagnoli’s questionable form has been justifiably questioned and recent injury or not the captain needs to get up to speed to make sure the team’s run of form continues intact.

Napoli’s big summer signing was another international break casualty and will miss two or three weeks of action. Nevertheless Milan’s defense will have to deal with dangerous and fast attacking line that includes Dries Mertens and Lorenzo Insigne. The other fascinating part of Gattuso and Napoli’s line up with be Bakayoko. The French player was almost perpetually close to a Milan return but ended up on loan at Napoli. His midfield form will be of interest to all Milan fans.

Folow the match as it happens, on the forum.

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Notes On A Bizarre 2-2 Tie Vs Verona

Gabbia was a last minute replacement for Romagnoli who withdrew due to a muscle problem.
The defense and set pieces defending in particular was tested immediately as a corner was not cleared, a Verona header hit the cross bar and deflected back in play as everybody scrambled, it was eventually shot in by Antonin Barak.
A free kick resulted in a similar play and Calabria’s attempt to clear the shot was instead deflected behind the dejected full back and into goal.
The team was lively and moving well and a Kessie run resulted in Milan getting a goal back. This was also deflected, this time by Giangiacomo Magnani.
Theo missed a close range shot when he managed to move the ball through to the Verona goal.
Ibra seemed even more vocal, frustrated and annoyed at himself and his team mates and poorly missed at least one freekick.
Rebic came on for Saelemaekers at the half although to inject some offense although the Belgian was lively.
Verona’s Mattia Zaccagni came close to extending his team’s lead but shot above the bar from close range.
Calhangolu thought to have equalized but it was ruled offside, or so we think, VAR remains as questionable as any other and sometimes it is not clear who decides what. Not forgetting that VAR’s main and initial aim is to correct clear and obvious errors. This point was enforced when Ibra was called for a handball when Milan were to equalize again. The definition of hand ball – does it not include upper arm anymore? – is ever more confusing.
Diaz came on for Leao while it seemed that Hauge is coming on too but Pioli held back the Norwegian and left it late to replace Calhanoglu.
Ibra continued to frustrate as he missed a penalty but later redeemed his night and coach’s inaction with a late goal. He later admitted that he should not take penalties as he has missed many recently. Kessie will take the next one or few.
A tie seemed unlikely but it was deserved. However, questions are increasing as to Milan’s continuing form.

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Week 7: Milan – Verona

Starting Lineup: 4-2-3-1
99
Donnarumma
2
Calabria
24
Kjær
13
Romagnoli
19
Hernandez
4
Bennacer
79
Kessié
56
Saelemaekers
10
Çalhanoğlu
17
Leão
11
Ibrahimović
Substitutes

The unbeaten streak is history courtesy of a strong Lille performance. The Europa League opponents have given Milan and perhaps Pioli in particular a reminder or lesson that lineup decisions will matter. Despite the need for rotation every team must be taken seriously. Starting Castillejo and Krunic, more often than not, will not be a recipe for success. Despite that, this young Milan team was always going to hit bumps on the road and it is up to all and especially veterans like Ibra to lead the way back to winning ways.

Calabria missed the midweek match with a minor muscle issue but could be back. Dalot was good but not great in relief versus Lille but will go back to the bench if the Italian right back is ready. The other three defenders will remains the same though Romagnoli’s form is questionable if not poor. The alternatives will get some minutes when possible. Gabbia, Duarte and Musacchio don’t inspire too much confidence but will need to step sooner or later although the latter may not see minutes before leaving the team. Kessie and Bennacer will start and the latter’s absence was felt against Lille. He was a second half sub and the midfield and team structure looked better when he came on as Tonali continues to establish himself and integrate slowly. The bigger questions are of course the aforementioned Krunic and Castillejo. Leao, Rebic, Hauge and Saelemaekers should be starters more often and preferred whenever possible. Ibra is of course Ibra and when he does need rest Rebic or Leao will provide relief.

Verona are an improving and aggressive team. Sitting in seventh place Juric’s team have only allowed three goals but scored only eight. They are led by the (not) Milan legend Nikola Kalinic.

Follow the match as it happens, on the forum.

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Notes On Lille Ending Milan’s Unbeaten Streak

A starting 11 that featured Krunic and Samu was questionable but perhaps inevitable with the jam packed schedule. However it is worth noting that Hauge, Calhanoglu, Leao and Rebic – but not Saelemaekers due to a minor issue – were on the bench so the players were available for selection.
Romagnoli made the slightest of pushes and the ref gave a penalty which was converted, the contact was very slight but Romagnoli should know not to do that inside the box. The captain’s form has been unconvincing in many starts and is a growing concern. Yusuf Yazici converted the penalty and handed Milan’s its first trailing minutes this season.
Half time changes brought on Leao and Calhanoglu and the hoped impact was not made. Yazici scored from a shot outside of the box that, unluckily for Milan, bounced near Donnarumma and into the far corner. Things were made worse after Yazici finished off well for a hattrick and this prompted another two changes that brought on Rebic and Bennacer. Things didn’t turn positive either and only a few half chances were created and all were missed. Later Pioli played his last card in bringing on Hauge for Diaz.
The unbeaten streak came crashing down and delivered food for thought for Pioli, players and all involved. A 0-3 loss vs Lille is a first since the Spring. All good things come to an end…Forza Milan.