Three games, two points, zero goals [Newsletter]

Another Champions League night without a goal, only this time Milan collected zero points in the process. Almost from the get-go, PSG were the better team and the Rossoneri have a lot to work on ahead of the return leg. A win then is almost a must, but the group thankfully remains quite open still.

Games like the one we saw last night, from a Milan perspective, are tough to watch and there are many reasons for that. Above all, however, it was clear to everyone that the Rossoneri simply weren’t good enough to compete with the French side. Stefano Pioli can’t fool anyone on that front.

Of course, it was always going to be difficult to stop someone like Kylian Mbappe on his home turf. Hell, even the best defenders in the world struggle against the PSG star, but the fact that the Rossoneri couldn’t create chances against a somewhat lazy French defence at times says a lot about the situation.

The goalscoring has been a problem above all in the Champions League, but we have also seen examples of this in the league. Things will have to change moving forward, otherwise this season will end in disappointment as well. The main question right now is perhaps whether a January intervention is needed or not, though most fans would agree it is.

We said in the previous newsletter that we would re-evaluate Milan’s situation after the three games against Juventus, PSG and Napoli. But after two losses already, the Rossoneri have some serious issues to work on and the clash against the Partenopei must end with three points in the bag.

Confidence changes quickly in football, we all know this, and that’s why Milan must put these two disappointing defeats behind them as soon as possible. A win against Napoli and a win/draw against PSG would certainly change the tone, but getting there will not be easy.

It cannot be understated that Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle are just two points ahead as things stand. The group is wide open and Milan are still alive thanks to the draws, but it remains to be seen if they can capitalise on this ‘second chance’ in the group of death.

News bulletin

➤ It was an uncharacteristically difficult week for Milan’s Primavera side as they drew 0-0 against Roma in the league away from home and then lost their first game of the season in a 1-0 UEFA Youth League defeat to PSG.

➤ The Milan Women returned to winning ways on Sunday afternoon as they comprehensively beat Pomigliano 4-1 at the PUMA House of Football. It was Kosovare Asllani's first start of the season, and she scored inside two minutes.

➤ Milan are yet to score in the Champions League and have struggled in the league as well, which is why a January move for Jonathan David is reportedly being weighed up.

➤ Sandro Tonali has been banned for 10 months after a plea bargain for his betting activity, and though there was speculation Newcastle were considering legal action against Milan, the Rossoneri are apparently not expecting any contact as they were totally unaware.

➤ Gianluigi Donnarumma had some interesting words before the Milan game, stating he has 'great affection' for the club he came through the academy of, and that a 'piece of his heart' remains there. Enzo Raiola, meanwhile, fuelled the fire by suggesting the Rossoneri were to blame for his exit.

➤ In other transfer news, the agent of a talented Genoa defender has publicly revealed that Milan are one of the teams interested in his client.

In case you missed it

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