By: Ivan Stoev

After a positive start, Ruben Amorim’s AC Milan have dropped points for the first time, drawing 1-1 against Juventus in Turin.

In recent years, this has been a boring game, especially at the Allianz. Milan and Juventus haven’t really played out a classic and you’re often left thinking about games from the past, rather than hoping the next one comes around quickly.

For 60 minutes – if not longer – this game followed the same trend. Very few moments of quality were woven into minutes of build-up and defensive-minded football. Then Alphadjo Cisse came onto the pitch and lit the spark.

The game settled back into that lull after the youngster’s goal, but Juve were undoubtedly the aggressors. Eventually it paid off, too, with a late goal from Federico Gatti. A disappointing end to what would’ve been a masterstroke from Amorim.

The game itself was a mixture of good and bad performances, so let’s dig into five things learned from the game itself.

1. Mixed feelings about Amorim’s game management

This one is interesting because the Diavolo were two minutes away from three points. Had that been the case, we probably wouldn’t have touched on the Starting XI, but as things stand, we have to address some of the manager’s choices.

The biggest issue here was the introduction of Diego Moreira, who prior to this game had zero minutes for his new team, whilst Samuel Chukwueze was in red hot form and it made little sense to bench the Nigerian.

Moreira seemed a tad nervy, which is probably expected given it was his first game and what a game at that – away at Juventus – so naturally the wingback tried to play it safe. As a result, we barely saw anything from him going forward.

Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

At the very least, he could’ve played on the left-hand side where Pervis Estupinan continues to be unimpressive, but that would’ve at least resulted in Chukwueze being a starter.

In the middle, we saw Luka Modric partner Yunus Musah and whilst the Croatian will certainly be crucial for Milan this season, perhaps someone like Jashari should’ve started instead of him. Just because of his physical condition, if nothing else.

Modric couldn’t really keep up with the tempo and failed to press high alongside Musah, which meant Amorim’s tactics didn’t really work, since the team couldn’t press as a unit. Instead, if Modric came on in the second half when the tempo dropped a bit, he would’ve been more useful.

Then, Adrien Rabiot also started in the right attacking midfield position. Whilst everyone probably agrees that he’s better than Ruben Loftus-Cheek, he also seemed a tad slow and not at full fitness. One could argue Chukwueze could’ve played there even if Moreira got the start. With Rabiot, the issue was clear: the Rossoneri lacked pace on the counter and couldn’t really create danger.

To Amorim’s credit, he reacted very well in the second half – as has been the case in the previous two games – and he subbed on Chukwueze and Cisse, with the duo combining for the opening goal.

Unfortunately, the coach’s plans were too conservative after that, which resulted in the equaliser being expected by the end of the game…

Being conservative in your first derby as a Milan manager, especially after going up 1-0 against Juventus away from home, is not the biggest crime.

Nevertheless, there’s a lesson in there for Amorim. Saying that, it’s important to also highlight that Milan continue to be unbeaten under the Portuguese and he has plenty of positives to work with.

2. De Winter shines as supporting cast struggles

Mario Gila was without a doubt the best Milan defender in the opening two games, but it was Koni De Winter’s time to shine against Juventus.

The Belgian made a few crucial clearances and plenty of great tackles. He was also very confident on the ball, which was a major drawback in having Matteo Gabbia as a starter, some felt.

Gila also did quite well, but he had a few more negative moments compared to his previous games. In fairness, though, he played with some discomfort and it seems it has been the case since he picked up a slight injury in pre-season.

Hopefully, he can move past that and be healthy, as he really has been a tremendous signing.

The real issue at the back for the Diavolo was Strahinja Pavlovic, who was beaten too easily on several occasions, with him seeming a bit sluggish.

On top of that, his passing wasn’t brilliant either and whilst the goal did not come from an error he committed, it’s still fair to say that he played an underwhelming game, as Mike Maignan and De Winter were forced to save him on a couple of occasions.

Photo by AC Milan

3. Still in search of the right midfield duo

Milan’s midfield was definitely outplayed on Sunday night. It might be controversial to say, but we felt...

SempreMilancom

Message History

Delivery option(s)