Michele Criscitiello believes that AC Milan should not yet push the panic button after a difficult first game against Torino but they must read the warning signs.
Milan’s 2024-25 Serie A season began in a dramatic way as they battled from two goals behind to draw 2-2 at San Siro against Torino on Saturday night, but it looked like being a whole lot worse at one point.
Preseason wins over Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Monza had fans dreaming, but it quickly turned into a nightmare in what was a very lethargic and at times sloppy performance until the final few minutes.
Torino led 2-0 through a Malick Thiaw own-goal and a Duvan Zapata header, but the substitutions injected life as Alvaro Morata opened his account for the Diavolo with an instinctive finish, and then Noah Okafor thumped in a volley in added time to complete the comeback and earn a draw.
Criscitiello spoke in his weekly column for Sportitalia – whom he is the chief editor for – and as part of it he reflected on what was a rollercoaster first game of the season for Milan.
Milan had deceived everyone with the matches against City, Real and Barcelona but there are still people who don’t understand that friendlies are worthless,” he began.
“The match against Torino is also worthless, of course, because half the team was missing, because you can’t be well on August 17 but something needs to be clarified immediately. Fonseca must get it into his head that in Italy defence is more important than attack.
“The atmosphere at San Siro is not great. If at the first match of the season the grumbles start because of a mistake by Leao, we won’t get there in December. If Calabria is substituted and the whole stadium boos your captain it’s not a good sign. A legacy of past mistakes.
“The club is partly to blame. Late arrivals, for sure. You can’t roll out the red carpet at the end of the first half for the latest arrival who is presented 2 hours before the match. You can’t start the season again with the number 9 still on Jovic’s shoulders.
“Morata is good but alone he’s not enough. A striker is needed and Jovic must leave Milanello. If Toro had won 0-3 no one would have said anything. In the end we saw a glimpse of the real Milan but matches must be played from the 1st minute and not from the 89th minute. Especially if it’s your home debut.
“Vanoli celebrating at the end of the match for the draw, on the other hand, is an extreme act of weakness for Toro. The point at San Siro is fine but if you’re ahead 0-2 with one minute to go, what are you celebrating? You’re Torino playing in Milan and not the last of the newly promoted teams. Beautiful game, strong team, mentality to be reviewed.”
