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Massimo Ambrosini believes that AC Milan can strive to win the Scudetto under Massimiliano Allegri, especially with a player like Luka Modric.
Milan started the league season with a 2-1 home defeat to Cremonese, and few thought that – as we arrived at the October international break – there would be so much talk in the media of a possible title challenge.
Allegri has managed to transform the team in his second spell so far. They are defending better, but also playing with an effectiveness in attack that has allowed them to put some teams to the sword. Being disappointed after a draw away at Juventus says a lot about how far the group has come.
Ambrosini on Allegri, Leao, Gimenez and more
Ambrosini spoke during an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport that was published this morning, and he analysed how things are going so far in the new campaign for his old side.
Should Milan’s draw against Juventus on Sunday be considered a good point or two dropped points?
“You don’t have to choose (smiles). If you count the goal-scoring chances, Milan created more and came closer to winning.”
So, do you like what you’ve seen from Allegri’s side in the first six Serie A games?
“I liked them because they have a great spirit and remarkable organisation. This is confirmed by the goals they’ve conceded: the last one from open play was Bonazzoli’s overhead kick on matchday one…
“If you’re not solid, you can’t keep a clean sheet in four of the first six league games. Allegri’s influence is clearly visible.”
What can Milan improve on?
“The midfield is strong, very strong, but the wingers can and must improve. And then there are the attackers: in my opinion, we need to understand how the two strikers in the 3-5-2 will coexist. Especially when Leao is at his peak.”
So far – with the Portuguese out or not 100% fit – Gimenez has been the starter, but he hasn’t scored in the league yet…
“True, but in Turin the Mexican put in his best performance of the season: he controlled the game, ran a lot, came close to scoring with a header and a shot from outside the area, as well as earning a penalty.”
He and Pulisic complement each other well…
Pulisic roams the entire attacking line and has an important anchor in Gimenez who keeps the defenders busy. If the American has performed so well so far, Santi deserves some credit.
What will happen with Leao as a centre-forward? Can Rafa be Milan’s No.9 like Allegri wants?
“That’s the big question right now. The coach is right when he says Leao does make some moves as a centre-forward: the right-footed diagonal shot, from a pass from Modric, saved by Di Gregorio, comes after a nice run. But the centre-forward also has to play with his back to goal…
“Will Leao be able to do that? And then there’s the issue of coexistence with Pulisic: they have to learn to manage space because they both like to move out wide on the left and thus risk ’emptying’ the penalty area.”
Meanwhile, in Turin, Pulisic missed a penalty and Rafa had two clear chances…
“It can happen that you kick a penalty high, and I wouldn’t dwell too much on the chances Leao missed because the first one, in particular, wasn’t easy to turn on goal in a fraction of a second. I’ve seen worse mistakes…
“Speaking of Rafa, I’d rather add something. He has a great opportunity in front of him: Milan has drawn a line this season regarding the spirit and attitude to be shown on the pitch, and he must adapt.
“Technically, there’s no question, but tactically he must work, adapt. And then he must show a willingness to sacrifice, competitive spirit, and determination.”
Will Allegri be able to transform him?
“I want to emphasise that Leao has extraordinary qualities, and a player, especially at his level, should be allowed to stick to his nature and basic characteristics. That said, he has a duty to make an effort to help the team.
“It would be wrong to make a definitive judgment and claim he can’t play as a centre-forward because he played two snippets of the match in less than optimal physical condition. Of course, I still have doubts about his adaptability to the new role. We’ll see soon.”
So Allegri was right when he told Leao: “Help yourself and God will help you”?
“(Smiles) Max has been in this world for a long time.”
In your opinion, are Milan worthy of the Scudetto?
“With this spirit and without injuries to key players, they can fight until the end. Inter, however, have started to play strongly again and are churning out their style as the team normally does. The Nerazzurri are strong and Napoli have also improved thanks to the transfer market.”
Does the fantastic Modric at the start of this season remind you of Pirlo at AC Milan?
“For his charisma and the vibe he exudes when he’s on the pitch, I’d say the Croatian is more similar to Paolo Maldini.
“Andrea was unique in the world for his technical interpretation of the role, but for the feeling Modric gives on the pitch, the way he infects and inspires his teammates with his presence, I compare him to Paolo, my great captain.”
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