Tactical Review Of AC Milan's Revitalised 3-1 Win Over Parma At Home

AC Milan came from behind to beat Parma 3-1 to continue their solid run of form and to go level on points with Napoli for the UEL spots. Here's our review:

More Shots = More Goals

I am not sure if this is the best explanation for Milan’s resurgence of form but when Stefano Pioli said at the beginning of the restart that Milan need to shoot more, the team took it literally. Milan took 27 against Parma and most were from outside the box which put pressure on Parma and forced mistakes especially winning corners. The side are not shy to take their chances anymore and this seems like a positive step forward. The likes of Ibrahimovic, Calhanoglu have a wicked shot whilst Rebic and Leao are looking dangerous when they can turn and shoot.

Hakan With The Stats

Calhanoglu had an up-and-down game as he flowed in and out of the play but he undoubtedly made the impact where the goals where concerned. Calhanoglu picked up two assists and a goal thus directly contributing to each of Milan’s three. His first assist is pretty basic, his second was from the wonderful delivery from a free kick that Romagnoli sweetly headed into the back of the net and his goal was his trademark low volley which makes you understand why the likes of Cutrone, Kessie and Ibrahimovic praise his shooting power.

Frank the Tank Fires A Rocket

Oh, I love it when Kessie puts in a good shift. It is so uplifting to see him fulfil his potential as he is just 23 years old and can be a mainstay for the next decade if he performs like the past few weeks. He scored an unbelievable golazo from outside the box to bring Milan back into the game. Kessie also bossed the midfield and covered for Biglia on numerous occasions. More significant than his goal were his passes into the box where he looked more confident and actually opened up space for the strikers. He had a few passes to Rebic, one to Ibrahimovic and one to Calhanoglu that broke the lines and set them up for a shot on goal.

Zlatan Gets His Century

100 games in a Milan shirt. The Swedish striker hit another milestone in his illustrious career and looked determined to mark the occasion with a goal but this would be his undoing. He did everything right in motivating the team, dropping back to distribute the ball and even holding up the ball but he looked rushed when he found the sight of goal. He missed a sitter and then kept slamming his shots into defenders. Perhaps the pressure of the occasion threw him off. Also, he was visibly more frustrated than usual and while this is a good thing to see how hard he works and his high standards, there is such a thing as too much complaining. Looking forward to him scoring again soon to help this milestone.

Pioli Deserves Plaudits

This biggest change of this Milan is their mental fortitude. The strength to fight back to win from behind against Parma and Juventus, to close out tough games against AS Roma and Lazio and even to tie with SPAL after being shocked with 2 odd goals is monumental. Pioli has my respect for strengthening the minds of this group and providing them with the drive and determination to play for the win no matter what. We all praised Gattuso for the grinta we saw we he first joined but Pioli has blown that out of the water with a similar philosophy where Milan can take the hit but only to hit back harder and this is admirable.