Ordine urges Milan fans to remain calm despite positive signs: “Premature and wrong”

Franco Ordine expressed optimism in his post-match editorial this morning, but urged AC Milan fans to remain calm as the litmus tests are yet to be played. 

Yesterday’s clash was a big leap in the right direction for Milan as they not only clinched all three points, but also did so in a dominant fashion. On top of that, several players impressed, which showed that there is great individual quality in the squad.

The well-known journalist Franco Ordine published his usual post-match editorial in Corriere dello Sport this morning (via MilanNews). While he highlighted the positives from the 3-0 win, he also made it clear that the big tests are on the cards.

“There’s no need to be shocked by Milan’s three strikes in the first hour of the game in the absence of Leao and Nkunku, who could have contributed something to the cause. There’s no need to be surprised, because what shines through in the night in Udine is the Rossoneri’s behaviour during the defensive phase.

“Or rather, to be precise, the attention and discipline, almost military, in covering spaces, in marking opponents and above all in avoiding a demanding job for the goalkeeper, Terracciano, Maignan’s replacement.

Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images

“But be careful: to think that September 20th, after just four chapters of the popular novel, is the right date to christen Milan’s footballing transformation, moving from one ‘dominant’ style of play to another – one that’s concrete, attentive, and cynical, but also features appreciable geometry – is both premature and wrong

“While waiting for the next international break, Allegri must compete with Conte, who snatched his second Scudetto during the Berlusconi-Gallini era, and then visit Juve, whom he left after lifting the Coppa Italia to the Roman sky.

“Perhaps only then will we be able to say whether, amidst a highly controversial and criticised transfer window, a team has emerged at Milanello,” he writes.

It remains to be seen if Milan can emerge from the aforementioned clashes with a good points tally. The return of Rafael Leao would be a huge boost, so that could play a part, but the Rossoneri have shown that they can manage without him as well if needed.