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Saturday night’s draw against Parma was a huge disappointment, a 2-2 draw that was reminiscent of the game against Pisa at San Siro.
What do these two matches have in common? As MilanNews write, it is the significant absences that have plagued Milan recently. Since the last international break, Massimiliano Allegri has been without Rabiot and Pulisic, with the American returning to play the final 15 minutes of the match in Parma.
This is certainly not an excuse to justify the two points thrown away at the Tardini – in addition to the others that were dropped – but it is a fact to take into consideration.
Much-needed returns
Pulisic had started the season in sensational fashion, even winning the Serie A MVP award for September. Rabiot arrived after the defeat against Cremonese in the opening match of the season, and had given the team physicality, quality and the ability to read the moments of the matches.
Samuele Ricci replaced the Frenchman and did not exactly do terribly, but it must also be said that from a player costing more than €20m and already boasting a certain level of Serie A experience, one might expect something more. The former Torino player, however, wasn’t a negative factor.
The same can’t be said for Santiago Gimenez and Christopher Nkunku, who have partnered Rafael Leao in recent games. Both have different characteristics but it did not click, and they are yet to contribute with a goal in the league.
The Mexican is in a seemingly endless tunnel having gone so long without a goal as the only natural No.9 in the squad, while Nkunku remains a €38m question mark. On paper, they’re two top-class players, but the pitch has so far said otherwise.
Despite these key absences, Allegri’s team managed to win two games and draw three, with the most recent 2-2 in Parma being downright infuriating. The result against Atalanta for example might have been fair, but to let a two-goal lead slip against a side who had scored five all season was criminal.
Now comes the break, and it won’t be as smooth as Allegri had hoped, but the coach will have a significant luxury: Rabiot and Pulisic have not been called up by their respective national teams and will remain at Milanello.
This is an excellent way to improve their fitness and regain the level they had reached before the injuries suffered during the last break. Especially since the resumption features the derby against Chivu’s Inter: achieving a positive result also depends on the full recovery of key players.
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