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Massimiliano Allegri has been on the receiving end of criticism this season for his ‘Corto Muso’ approach to AC Milan’s game, but as the numbers show, the situation is overwhelmingly positive.
Just in the last 5-10 years, football has changed a lot and entertainment has become a keyword, with more teams and managers adapting ‘fun’ playing styles and tactics. In a world like that, it’s no wonder that Allegri stands out, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t successful.
Points keep coming
The reactions to Milan’s win against Como have mostly been about the vastly different philosophies of the two teams, as Gazzetta dello Sport begins this morning (see paper at the bottom). Cesc Fabregas with his possession-focused football on one side, Massimiliano Allegri with his ‘Corto Muso’ on the other.
Fabregas is heavily inspired by tiki-taka, i.e. frenetic possession and constant runs. They had 67.6% possession in the game, created numerous chances and yet, they only found the back of the net once. With their 32.4%, meanwhile, Allegri and Milan scored three goals to clinch the win.
After the defeat in the opening round against Cremonese, Milan didn’t just bounce back, instead they ran fast: they are unbeaten in 19 consecutive Serie A games, a first since January to May in 2004, with Carlo Ancelotti on the bench.
This Milan, with 12 wins, seven draws, and one defeat, is the third team to lose only once in their first 20 Serie A games, or at least in the three-point-for-a-win era (since 1994-95). It happened in the 1995-96 and 2003-04 seasons too, and both times Milan went on to win the Scudetto.
Strong attack and comebacks
However, Milan haven’t just been about the result, showing that they have the quality to remain at the top of the standings. Indeed, Allegri has gone well beyond the ‘corto muso’ tactics, as the Rossoneri have the second-best attack with their 33 goals.
Only Inter are ahead of the Rossoneri, which was to be expected given they have a wide selection of strikers. Allegri, on the other hand, has adapted two wingers – Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic – and made them the main attacking sources.
Furthermore, he has finally discovered the qualities of Christopher Nkunku, while the physicality of Niclas Füllkrug has been a welcome addition. The German is the embodiment of the desire to be there and the great sense of belonging, which is also reflected in the numbers.
Milan never give up. Against Como, they once again managed to turn a game around, having earned 13 points from deficit positions in Serie A this season (a reord for the league).
Foundation at the back
Another example of solidity, on which Allegri has built much of his success, is the defence: 16 goals conceded, the second-best in Serie A alongside Lazio, Juve, and Como. They also have the best numbers away from home with only seven goals conceded.
As if that wasn’t enough, Milan are the only side in the league that haven’t conceded a goal from distance this season. Allegri has got through with his message, in other words, as he asked his players to sense the danger early.
Allegri feared the current schedule, jammed with away games, but away from San Siro he dominates: 22 points from away games, another league record. Beating the big teams, striking whenever possible, and remaining as long as possible in the shadows: a devilish plan.
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