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AC Milan got beaten by a high impact Lazio side who took advantage of their chances while Milan squandered theirs. Here’s a review of the game:
Correa through on goal.
— GingerPirlo FI (@GingerPirlo_FI) November 3, 2019
Nice positional skills from Donnarumma there....
He was also on his knees so couldn't really move.
He on the take or something? ♂️ pic.twitter.com/KWHNMXICri
Lack of Defensive Discipline
Two of Milan’s most dependable players Romagnoli and Donnarumma were both at fault for Joaquin Correa’s late winner in the game against Lazio. Romagnoli was slow to respond when the ball broke free but also hesitated to pressure Luis Alberto who provided the assist. Donarumma was terrible positionally throughout the game and was on his knees even before Correa had taken the shot on the second goal. On the first, he was easily lobbed by Immobile’s header while he had a few slip ups on set pieces. Our RB and LB were often caught out by Lazio’s speed and this vulnerability needs to be nipped in the bud.
Ismaël Bennacer vs Lazio
— FootballTalentScout (@FTalentScout) November 3, 2019
54 passes
85% pass accuracy
2 key passes
3 dribbles won
4 tackles won
3 interceptions
1 clearance
Good game by Algerian playmaker despite the result. He will very soon become one of the key players for AC Milan. ⚫️ pic.twitter.com/PgoBWv5eI8
Bennacer Can Pull The Strings
The Algeria international was very positive against Lazio and got the ball moving better than Lucas Biglia is able to and more fluidly than Tiemoue Bakayoko did last season. The defensive midfielder is good at winning the ball back but often loses out of physical tussles however he knows how to dribble with little space and get the ball to a team mate. The new signing looks more settled with each passing game but needs to take more responsibility to push Milan forward to win as opposed to losing steam around the 75th minute. Bennacer had a few key passes that led to dangerous attacking positions for Milan.
1⃣4⃣ No defender has completed more dribbles than Theo Hernandez (14) in Serie A so far this season.
— MilanData (@acmilandata) November 5, 2019
⚡️ ⚫️
[Via @OptaPaolo] pic.twitter.com/FY1IVQQowU
Hernandez is the new Suso
Milan have been too reliant on Suso in the past couple of seasons to be the primary and only creative outlet on the squad. Since Hernandez emergence, he has taken this new role and has become the new focal point for Milan’s attack. However, this has been noticed by opponents who are working to crowd him out of the game. He could have had an assist against Lazio but the goal was chalked up as a Bastos own goal. The former Real Madrid man is pacy, creative and gutsy; he is truly one of the best signings Milan has made in a long time.
GOOOAAAAALLLLLL! PIATEK WITH A TOE! pic.twitter.com/H9CPMKUA9t
— MilanGifs (@MilanGifs) November 3, 2019
Milan Lucky To Score
Milan had a tale of two halves against Lazio. In the first half, Milan were daunting and were playing good attack minded football. Milan knew how to exploit Lazio’s weak centre and kept hitting hard down the middle. Hernandez, Paqueta and Bennacer were particularly effective in finding ways to bring Piatek and Castillejo into the game. The Spain international was the biggest threat for Milan and was extremely active before pulling up with an injury. The major issue with Milan continues to be the lack of finishing in the box and the poor touch of the strikers that makes it harder to make anything of the few chances created.
️ Stefano Pioli told Sky Sport Italia
— TeamMilanAC (@TeamMilanAC) November 4, 2019
“We do still make a lot of mistakes, such as passing when we should keep it, and vice versa, but I saw these players looking anxious and afraid when I arrived. I don’t see that in them now.” pic.twitter.com/IjOGwTgT4I
Confidence and Determination Lacking
The biggest fix for Milan is to get the players to buy into the vision of the club and the belief that they can win. Over the past five or so games, Milan look like they shut down when the clock hits 75 minutes and fall asleep defensively whilst simultaneously not put in any attacking work. Milan have conceded goals and lost points after the 70th minute against Lazio, Lecce, Fiorentina, Torino, Inter Milan and Udinese. The confidence aspect is one visible through the attitude of the players, there is less belief and fire this season than there was under Gattuso. Milan need their fire back.