CorSport: ‘A team full of contradictions’ – three critical issues Allegri must fix over the break

AC Milan must work on several issues during the international break, after yet more frustrating dropped points in Parma.

This Milan still has a lot to work on, as Corriere dello Sport (via MilanPress) report this morning, with an analysis that has the headline: ‘Goals conceded, comebacks and badly lost points’. After being 2-0 up in Parma, it was criminal not to emerge with a win that would have had Milan joint-top.

Three issues to address

Massimiliano Allegri’s Milan are still a work in progress, and over the next two weeks improvements are needed in the mentality and attitude at Milanello. The dissatisfaction comes after the draw against Parma, the culmination of an up-and-down period for the team, which is still immature in some ways.

The first issue is the approach against the ‘lesser’ sides. The Rossoneri took only two points out of nine available against Cremonese, Pisa and Parma, three teams who – with respect to them – are expected to be towards the bottom end.

The coach’s irritation is justified, because these lapses in form in March will have a different meaning, especially in the intense race for the Champions League. Allegri and his staff will have to work on any mental defects.

Photos: Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

The second problem is the defensive situation. Yes Milan have conceded only nine goals in 11 league games, but they let in six against the aforementioned trio. The team seem rock solid in big matches, then distracted against lesser-rated opponents. An ability to perceive danger is needed.

Finally, comebacks are becoming a problem. In recent matches versus Pisa, Atalanta and Parma, Milan let a lead slip after fast starts. They might not have lost any of them (and are 10 unbeaten in the league) but the trend is worrying.

Games need to be finished when the chance presents itself. After letting Parma get back level, the lack of a clinical edge from Christian Pulisic and Alexis Saelemaekers at the Tardini are emblematic of what’s not working well for ‘a team full of contradictions’, moving in extremes of good and bad.