A tough time for all us [Newsletter]

Apr 24, 2024

The nightmare scenario became a reality on Monday night: Inter won the derby 2-1 and thus clinched their 20th Scudetto. Although there were some nerves in the dying minutes of the game, the Nerazzurri never really looked in doubt as AC Milan put in another lacklustre derby display. Perhaps even more notable than the poor tactics was the lack of passion.

Solely looking at the scoreboard, one wouldn’t be ludicrous to think the opposite as Theo Hernandez and Davide Calabria both got sent off. These red cards were nothing more than foolish, though, especially the first one which came when Milan actually had a glimpse of momentum and could have gone for an equaliser. Instead, more time was wasted and Inter got in the heads of Stefano Pioli’s men.

Speaking of the manager, the tactics were expectedly (unfortunately) poor as the experiment with Rafael Leao as the No.9 didn’t work at all. The winger has made it clear several times that he doesn’t like that position, so why even bother? And if the idea was for him to move out on the flank anyway, ‘surprising’ the Inter defence, then Pioli somehow forgot that you also need a striker in the box.

These poor tactics - which there are many examples of - combined with a lack of spirit and passion from the first whistle, made things very difficult for Milan. The truth is that Inter probably should have scored three-four goals in the first half and the Rossoneri were lucky to even stay in the game. It was closer than previous derbies, we will give Pioli that, but this still didn’t end the negative derby trend.

Significant changes are needed in the summer and it remains to be seen exactly how things will pan out. One thing is certain: the new manager will play a key role (as expected) and the ‘new Milan’ must start from this person. And to put a positive spin on a rather dire turn of events, the Rossoneri must see this as an opportunity to make the most of what is a very solid foundation.

Are investments needed? Absolutely. Do they need to change the whole squad? No. As much as we hate to quote Giorgio Furlani at this time, the squad must be perfected with some targeted signings in the summer. Of course, the biggest signing of them all will be on the sidelines - as already alluded to - so Milan must first carefully evaluate the post-Pioli candidates. Several names are on the list and the pressure that comes with this decision cannot be overstated.

News bulletin

➤ Milan Primavera’s UEFA Youth League dream came crashing to an end in the final as they lost 3-0 against Olympiacoson Monday, but that came after another memorable victory against Porto on Friday. Ignazio Abate's side were the better team in the final, but just couldn't take their chances.

➤ AC Milan Women extended their winning run to four games as they managed to beat Sampdoria by three goals to one over the weekend. Kamila Dubcova and Evelyn Ijeh got on the scoresheet, with latter netting a second-half brace and thus clinching a well-deserved win.

➤ Fikayo Tomori, Theo Hernandez and Davide Calabria will all serve suspensions against Juventus, and that means Stefano Pioli must once again reinvent the defence for this weekend's clash, with second place still very much a target worth pursuing.

➤ Speaking of Pioli, it has been confirmed by multiple sources that he will be sacked at the end of the season. Several papers and outlets have put forward their list of candidates to replace him but Di Marzio perhaps had the most interesting, with names such as Tuchel, Amorim, Xavi, Conceicao and Motta present.

➤ The fall-out after AC Milan’s Europa League elimination and derby loss continues, with a report from La Gazzetta dello Sport suggesting that Mike Maignan and Theo Hernandez could be sold for the right price as the management have doubts over whether they will renew.

➤ A mercato round-up: Milan are apparently still working on a deal for Joshua Zirkzee and their confidence is growing, Real Betis winger Ez Abde is a target, Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi is on the list, while the central midfield, centre-back and full-back roles will be addressed.