GdS: Experience, dependence and deadliness – why Milan are ‘inferior’ to Inter this season

It is impossible to rule AC Milan out of the Scudetto race just yet; there is a lot of football still to be played. However, Inter may already have a sizeable advantage. 

When the Scudetto conversation first emerged, many thought that the Rossoneri could be involved, largely helped by the amount of football for other teams to contend with. So far, the results of that have not really shown.

As a result, it is far too early to say that Inter’s five-point lead at the top is enough for them to win the title. Though evidence may already be there to suggest it won’t be heading elsewhere.

Differences between the sides

Gazzetta dello Sport, this morning, write that there are certainly a few areas of inferiority for the Diavolo. Starting with the most obvious, their lack of depth. For years, the Nerazzurri have been praised for their team, and right now, there is not the same luxury available.

Then it moves to the attack, where the leaders have a higher xG by 3.4, but a higher goal tally by 15 (50 vs 35). Whilst the Diavolo have struggled with injuries to key players, especially in recent weeks, there is the idea that they lack the intensity and ‘killer instinct’ of their city rivals.

Photos: Marco Luzzani + Claudio Villa/Getty Images

Going back to the squad, there is a lot more experience available to Chivu than there is for Massimiliano Allegri. For example, the penalty given against Roma, would a more senior player concede that? Questions can certainly be asked.

Finally, tying everything together, the Rossoneri have more of a dependence on individuals. With a deeper squad, maybe things are different. However, when certain players are not available, there are noticeable differences at San Siro.