GdS: ‘The S word’ – the key qualities that could turn Milan’s title dream into reality

The word ‘Scudetto’ is beginning to be mentioned in AC Milan circles with increased frequency, but do they have what it takes to dream?

While Massimiliano Allegri and the players refuse to publicly declare it as a target, the table tells us that Milan are two points behind Roma, tied with Napoli and one ahead of Inter. Furthermore, they only play once a week, and they have beaten all four of the other teams in the top five.

Why should Milan believe?

First of all, La Gazzetta dello Sport write, because at certain moments of the game they’re incredibly solid. Not always, but at certain moments. In the derby they risked conceding a goal and had to call on a 2022 version of Mike Maignan for help.

The xG figures show 1.74 to 0.88 for Inter, who missed a penalty and hit the post twice. The xG figures also show that Milan, in their four head-to-head matches against Napoli, Juve, Roma, and Inter, have conceded 6.5 xG, which isn’t low. Yet, they conceded only one goal: a penalty from De Bruyne.

Allegri set up a 5-3-2, and it’s not easy to attack a block like that. They couldn’t get through the centre. On the left side, Inter’s best flank, Alexis Saelemaekers doubled-teamed. When they did get a cross off, Matteo Gabbia and Strahinja Pavlovic were waiting to clear like anti-aircraft guns.

Photo by AC Milan

Milan can compete among the top teams until May, partly because – among the teams up there – they have the most room to correct mistakes. Napoli are still finding their form amid a predictable Conte storm. Inter are struggling in direct clashes and have an inexperienced coach. Roma have question marks.

Milan’s problems seem decidedly more solvable: concentration against smaller teams, and attacking solutions against teams that defend deep. Allegri is a specialist in the first two aspects; he’s been working on them for a long time now.

The derby showed something else: how vital Adrien Rabiot is. With him starting, Milan have played five games, winning four and drawing one against Juventus. The only goal conceded was against Napoli (a penalty), so zero from open play with Allegri’s ‘crazy horse’ on the field.

Last but not least, the individuals. Milan have been dysfunctional since their last Scudetto win and fractured too, but now everyone seems to be back on the same page. Maignan is back to his true self, Leao had a couple of starring performances and has plenty of room for improvement physically.

As for Pulisic, he’s been impressively consistent for two and a half years. Modric is the man who keeps everyone moving at the same pace and forces them to be ambitious, because at Real Madrid, if you’re not ambitious, they won’t let you stay for long. Deep down, he probably believes in ‘the S word’.