The Rossoneri fell 3-2 to inner-city rivals Inter Milan on Sunday night. The loss dropped AC Milan from third to fourth place, two points behind their heated rivals. With this being said, there is no reason for despair for the Rossoneri faithful. A spectacular stretch of form brought them into a Champions League position and losses can and will occur.
The Rossoneri Cannot Despair
Milan’s Form
Prior to this loss, Milan had not lost a game in Italy since December 22 of last year. This brilliant stretch of form, made possible by the January additions of Lucas Paquetá and Krzysztof Piątek, included seven wins and two draws. Looking at that from a point perspective, that is 23 points out of a possible 27.
Milan were riding a high, and perhaps that is what halted them in this match. Inter, on the other hand, were knocked out of the Europa League and were dealing with internal issues regarding star and former captain Mauro Icardi. Perhaps this motivated them, taking advantage of Milan’s attitude of superiority.
A team spirit of superiority above others can at times be beneficial, but in Milan’s particular position they must treat every single opponent as equals and let their football do the talking. The bottom line is that the players are united as a group and are having fun. They cannot afford to drop this mentality.
What Milan Must Avoid
Milan began a similar hot streak just 20 days after Gennaro Gattuso’s appointment as first-team manager last season. Starting on December 30th 2017, the team earned 26 points out of a possible 30 in ten matches. This all ended after Milan’s defeat to Juventus on March 31st, 2018, and ultimately the Rossoneri were only able to qualify for the Europa League.
Milan cannot allow this to happen after another loss to a rival. As previously mentioned, losses to strong opponents can and will happen to every team. Gattuso needs to motivate the squad and assure them that this was simply a speed bump. The manager was known for his ‘grinta,’ or passion, throughout his career, and there is no better time than now to unleash it and reinvigorate his squad.
Looking Ahead
The Rossoneri sit at a good position. They are four points ahead of Roma, who are sitting in fifth. They are just a mere two points behind Inter and one favourable result can vault Milan ahead of them once again. More positives are on the horizon. Veteran leader Lucas Biglia is back with the squad. Andrea Conti is looking better and better after two horrific injuries derailed his early Milan career. Major summer signing Mattia Caldara is clawing his way back into the squad.
Milan play Sampdoria and Udinese in their next two matches. These opponents are never easy, but Milan can surely beat them. After that, the Rossoneri another rivalry match-up versus Juventus. Scheduling is in Milan’s favour, as Juventus may opt to rest stars for this match as the league is virtually wrapped up for the Bianconeri and Juventus will be playing an energetic Ajax team in the Champions League quarter-finals just four days later. After the rivalry, Milan will face Lazio. Lazio will present a major challenge, but Milan has the capabilities to win. Parma is next after Lazio, and Milan must walk away with all three points.
Roma will have a tough stretch of their next five games, highlighted by match-ups versus Napoli, Fiorentina, and Inter. These matches are all toss-ups. Like Milan, Roma will also face Sampdoria and Udinese.
Inter have Lazio, Atalanta, and Roma in their next five matches. Once again, these two will be toss-ups. A win versus Frosinone is expected. Genoa, however, may prove to be more difficult than expected after their latest victory over Juventus.
The Last Word
Milan remain in a Champions League spot. Finishing above of Inter would be refreshing for the team, but all that really matters at this point is Champions League qualification. The football world knows Milan belongs in the prestigious competition and have patiently waited, and it is time for the sleeping giants to prove to themselves that they deserve it.
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