Notes On A Maddening 3-0 Loss At Lazio

Mandzukic got the start in Leao’s place hoping for a better output.
Lazio struck early as the midfield, defense and Kjaer in particular mis-tracked and misjudged the attacking play. Joaquin Correa gave the hosts the lead.
The quality lacked at both ends and the final ball was of course often wasted or an easy catch for Pepe Reina in Lazio’s goal. Hernandez in particular ran without any positives on either side of the pitch and when any shots were taken they were wide of the mark.
Possession percentage increased in Milan’s favour but little was done with it.
Milan continued to push forward. and were almost punished in the 43rd minute. Manuel Lazzari thought to have doubled Lazio’s lead but VAR ruled that he was offside on the counter. Kjaer had almost kept the player onside.
The half time score was one behind.
Early in the second Correa doubled Lazio’s lead. VAR and pitch side monitor were used to confirm the goal. Milan had complained Calhanoglu was fouled up the pitch before the goal. Replays showed that Milan had the right to complain but the goal stood.
Leao and Diaz came on for Mandzukic and Saelemaekers and minutes later Dalot and Tonali came on for Calabria and Bennacer. Little had changed in the meanwhile. Pioli then brought on Romagnoli for Kjaer. The latter had been having a poor game just like most of his teammates.
As the minutes ticked on Milan were almost always unable to make one good play, it looked as if the opposition are a wall.
Almost inevitably it was Lazio who managed to score again. Ciro Immobile found the gap between the central defense and found the net on far side. Lazzari provided the assist this time.
The game ended 3-0 with Milan’s Champions League chances in serious danger.