MN: A perfect match, over two games – Milan show strengths and scars vs. Roma and Parma

Massimiliano Allegri’s AC Milan managed to ‘play the perfect match’, but the problem is that it was spread over two games.

As MilanNews report, it is a bit strange to talk about the idea of perfection in the wake of Milan’s performance in Parma, but what unfolded over the course of 180 minutes (plus added time) against Roma and the Gialloblu combined to show the team’s capabilities and shortcomings.

A two-faced Milan

Facing Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma, Milan started the match timidly and awkwardly with their goal under siege for 40 minutes, only to emerge in style with Strahinja Pavlovic’s goal at the end of the first half.

After the break, the Rossoneri emerged superlative, creating (and wasting) chance after chance. Towards the end, Roma came back and once again put their hosts under pressure, squandering the chance to equalise with Paulo Dybala’s penalty, which was saved by Mike Maignan.

Against Parma, however, the exact opposite occurred: a superb start to the game, topped off by a commanding two-goal lead. Then, a mistake at the end of the first half from Pervis Estupinan leading to Bernabè’s goal.

Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images + AC Milan

Milan’s start to the second half was utterly narcoleptic, but then after the equaliser went in it was Allegri’s side that created big opportunities to win the game. The last two games have been opposites, and only playing for half of the match can lead to dropped points.

The irrefutable excuse: absences. This team has lacked Adrien Rabiot’s physicality and tactical savvy, as well as Christian Pulisic’s attacking intelligence and piercing effectiveness in front of goal. Is this enough to explain the performances over the last two weeks? Perhaps not, but it must be mentioned.

The truth is that Milan still inevitably carry the aftermath of last disastrous season, and as much as Allegri is working tirelessly to convince his players of their potential, it’s natural that every now and then a few lapses – individual and/or collective – will emerge.

With Allegri at the helm, fans can feel more confident. The maturation process will be a long one, and that’s normal. Instead, we should consider the team’s excellent performance in six-point matches, along with being third in the table. That is a platform to build from, with the derby looming.