Analyzing Milan's Shocking Defeat Against Cremonese

 

AC Milan suffered a shocking 2-1 home defeat against newly promoted side Cremonese, in a rather odd game where the opponent simply got all the fortune in front of goal. The Rossoneri were guilty of small lapses in the back, while up front, they can't seem to get anything right, especially their finishing in the final third. 

Defense Breakdown 

The 2-1 loss against Cremonese can be considered as one of those games where the opponent didn't do much but somehow got a maximum result. They barely created anything significant going forward as Davide Nicola's side only made four shots in total, and two of them somehow resulted in goals. 

It's difficult to fully judge the defense as overall they did minimize their opponent's attack quite well, but in the moment of goals, there were some errors that got punished heavily. On the first goal from Baschirotto, there was a lapse of concentration, particularly from Stahinja Pavlovic, who was late in spotting the Cremonese big defender who was lumbering forward to head the goal. 

Gabbia was occupied by another player, while Pavlovic seemed distracted and didn't expect Baschirotto to make that forward run. The Serbian also made an error earlier where he missed his clearance and almost ended up in a goal, but Mike Maignan saved it. 

For the second goal, it was a spectacular half-volley that Bonazzoli would be unlikely to score again this season. Alex Jimenez was held up by a player, but there was no other center-half that got close enough to the Cremonese striker for some reason, allowing him to just make that volley attempt. Youssuf Fofana could've been more alert in closing the space, but he probably didn't expect that situation to happen. 

Maignan might be able to react better, but again, it was one of those goals that shouldn't have happened if there were no lapses in concentration. Creating that habit of focusing will be the main job that Massimiliano Allegri and his staff need to do in the upcoming games. 

Replacing Estupinan with Jimenez certainly carries a risk, as the latter is probably stronger physically to cope with aerial duels or anticipate crosses on his side. However, from the replay, it was clear that the young Spaniard was being hassled by another Cremonese player, thus allowing Bonazzoli to get enough time and space to make his attempt. There should be more awareness at the back to cover the space and the opponent. 

Again, it was difficult to complain about the defensive organization as the goals did come from defensive lapses, but it was just a couple of errors that got punished heavily. Meanwhile, on the other end, Milan struggles to take any advantage from some of Cremonese's mistakes at the back. 

Midfield Structure and Performance

In midfield, the defensive and attacking build-up looks fine with Modric setting up the tempo and tone for around 60 to 70 minutes. Jashari also did well, as a sub, as he offers more physicality, it looks like the Croatian can't be playing full 90 minutes at the moment, so the substitution was probably a necessary one. 

Fofana did well in transition as well and didn't lose the ball too much either; however, once again, his finishing and shooting were woeful. He probably had the most shooting attempts and opportunities among all the other midfielders, but the Frenchman can't seem to get things right. 

Defensively, Fofana was okay, apart from maybe he could've been more alert in Cremonese's second goal in covering for Bonazzoli. Still, the Frenchman's main issue for now is his involvement in the final third. Aside from working on his finishing, he also needs to play it simple at times when he gets near the opponent's penalty box. 

Ruben Loftus-Cheek had another mixed bag, just like Fofana; his finishing in the final third was really poor. He needs to be more decisive and ruthless when he gets the ball inside the penalty area and not overthink everything. Loftus-Cheek also needs to get more involved in the attacking build-up more, especially if Tomori is playing in the right back role. 

In the first half, Alexis Saelemaekers was often forced too wide and wasn't able to move the ball quickly because there weren't many options for him to work with at times. RLC did improve on his build-up involvement in the second half, but his work in the final third still left wanting. 

Allegri's decision not to start Ricci was probably a mistake in this game, as Cremonese was not much of a threat in the middle of the park. Milan had more than enough ability to control the midfield and only conceded from random crosses, which saw them having defensive lapses, most likely because they were not focused enough at the back. 

The physicality from Loftus-Cheek and Fofana was probably not needed in that game, as Ricci, with one of Jashari and Modric, could probably put in the midfield three instead. Milan also didn't get enough free kicks in that game, which can put more pressure on the opponent's back line.

Allegri should definitely consider starting at least two of Ricci, Modric, and Jashari together from the start. After that, one of Loftus-Cheek or Fofana could be played as an alternative in the second half to give that physical presence. At this moment, Ricci is probably better in terms of covering and organizing Milan's defensive setup, although again, Modric didn't have a bad game in that regard. 

In all, the midfield could probably add more creativity by starting at least two of Ricci, Modric, and Jashari on the pitch. One of the reasons, obviously, is because of the absence of Rafael Leao, who could always provide an offensive break at times for the Rossoneri. 

Attacking Setup  

 The attack was definitely lacking, but not in the buildup up as Pulisic and Saelemaekers did reasonably well in terms of creating and setting up the offense. However, Santiago Gimenez once again struggled to get into a better position, and his hold-up play was also poor in that game. 

Without Leao, Gimenez needs to make a better presence inside the area, to at least free up Pulisic and Saelemaekers even more. The American international had a couple of opportunities which he could've done better, but he certainly needed more help to get that space that he would often get if Leao was available, or in the past, even with someone like Olivier Giroud on top. 

The Mexican didn't even need to be more physical and battle; he just needed to be smarter, especially in his movement, as he was facing a much slower player in Baschirotto. In the first half, both Pulisic and Saelemaekers didn't get into the box too often, but that did improve after the break. The American international was probably not at his sharpest yet, so he definitely can still improve on his form.  

Another issue with Milan's attack against Cremonese is that they didn't seem to have the conviction in front of the goal. Aside from the poor finishing at times, there were many occasions when they hesitated too much when they were already entering the opponent's box.

Milan players need to be more precise in the final third, whether it's on their final pass or finishing. They need to shoot more when there's a space inside the penalty area and certainly get those shots on goal. There were just way too many wayward shots against an opponent who barely threatened them in the whole game. They definitely need that physical addition inside the penalty area, and that's what Allegri was expecting from Fofana and Loftus-Cheek, but unfortunately, those two didn't have their shooting boots on. 

Overall, it was not a game where Milan suffered defensively or struggled in the midfield area. However, they were definitely struggling in the final third, as Allegri's expectation that Fofana and RLC could offer that extra physical presence didn't result in a positive result up front. 

The coach should definitely reconsider setting up the midfield with two physical presences for now, unless Fofana and Loftus-Cheek suddenly can become much sharper. Against a more defensive side, it's probably best to focus on adding more creative outlets by allowing Modric to push further up by playing as Mezzalla and playing Ricci as the holding midfielder. 

Allegri should also consider the new signings like Athekame or even De Winter playing as right back to maybe provide something better offensively instead of Tomori. In all, it was a bad game in terms of result and technical battle, but Milan still dominated and probably got things okay tactically. Unfortunately, defensive lapses and poor execution up front cost them dearly. 

There's plenty of time to work and improve things; however, the warning signs are already there for Allegri's men. They won't have easy games, so they must battle hard while also taking advantage of their technical qualities more.  

Conclusion 

In terms of statistics and initial game plan, Milan probably shouldn't be too worried about their opening-day defeat, but they definitely need to improve their defensive focus and avoid lapses, especially when anticipating crosses. As for the midfield, adding more creativity is certainly an option that Allegri should seriously consider going forward. 

Another addition that Massimiliano Allegri also added, aside from improving their defensive focus, is getting more aggressive without the ball. The coach also wants his players to be more alert, aggressive, and acknowledge any potential danger, and not get caught in having lapses again when they don't have the ball.  

The attack could also depend on potential additions in the transfer market, but Rafael Leao's return will also help. As for Gimenez, he would need to improve his fitness level, which hopefully can help him move better on and off the ball in the upcoming matches. Milan definitely needs another option up front, especially in this type of game, where a more physical threat inside the area can help them a lot. 

 

AC Milan 1-2 Cremonese (Pavlovic 45+1; Baschirotto 28, Bonazzoli 61)

 

Match Statistics

Statistic	AC Milan	Cremonese
Possession	64%	36%
Total Shots	24	4
Shots on Target	6	3
Shots Inside Box	16	4
Touches Inside Opponent's Box	51	5