Following a rather disappointing season opener, drawing 2-2 against Torino, AC Milan were hoping to clinch their first win away at Parma on Saturday evening. However, it ended in disaster for the Rossoneri.
Paulo Fonseca made quite a few changes to the starting XI compared to the Torino game with Theo Hernandez, Strahinja Pavlovic, Tijjani Reijnders, Yunus Musah and Noah Okafor playing from the first minute.
However, the game couldn’t have started in a worse way for the Rossoneri as Dennis Man scored the opener for Parma within the first two minutes. Furthermore, Milan didn’t really have an answer to the early goal as they looked sloppy and failed to threaten their opponents.
In the second half, the Rossoneri did better at the start as they created several chances and eventually got the equaliser in the 66th minute through Christian Pulisic. However, the poor defending let Milan down once again as Parma grabbed the winner in the 77th minute.
Below are five things we learned from the game…
1. Pavlovic impresses despite no help
The Serbian made just debut from start for Milan and at leas looking at the result, it was one to forget. However, we did see a lot of positives from the centre-back who had a slow first half but then started the second half in fashion with a lot of interceptions, as well as involving himself in the attacking phase.
On the second goal, Pavlovic could have done better as his marking wasn’t great, but he did have a couple of last-ditch tackles in the game that redeemed him. He was certainly not the one to blame overall as Milan tactics were dire, leaving both him and Tomori exposed.
If the centre-backs are left alone, it’s really hard to cover all the empty space especially considering that Parma had a numerical advantage on most occasions. As such, it was a really promising debut with Pavlovic certainly showcasing his potential.
2. Disastrous from the full-backs
Davide Calabria and Theo Hernandez were both poor on the night. The captain was beaten time and time again, caught off guard on those counters way too many times.
However, he was still better than Theo, who just wasn’t up for it as he seemed to be in first gear throughout the game. He showed a lack of urgency when it came to defending and that was highlighted especially on the first goal.
The only positive for the Frenchman was the hockey assist he got, but the heavy criticism is more than justified for a player of his calibre. He’s also one of the best-paid players in the team, aiming for even more with a contract renewal, and we need to see so much more.
To top it all off, Emerson Royal’s debut wasn’t a great one either with a couple of misplaced passes, one of which was in a very dangerous area and he also failed to have any impact going forward. Some of these issues are down to Fonseca’s tactics for sure and it will be interesting to see how he fixes his back line.
3. Loftus-Cheek invisible
The Englishman started behind the striker, in the No.10 role, and he was literally invisible throughout the game as he provided nothing worth mentioning. Indeed, it’s very surprising that he played the full 90 minutes.
It’s quite obvious that the attacking midfield position isn’t the best for him and given that Fonseca plays with the tandem, which also isn’t ideal for Ruben, it will be interesting to see where he will fit in the coach’s plans.
However, one thing is for sure: he shouldn’t play in the No.10 role. He lacks the creativity needed, as well as the ability on the ball, to thrive in that position.
4. Okafor fails to capitalise; Leao disappointing again
Noah Okafor scored off the bench in the game against Torino to salvage a point for his team. As such, with Morata out injured, he was given a chance to start against Parma. Unfortunately for him, he again struggled to impress as we have seen so many times before when he has played from start.
It’s quite interesting because he clearly has qualities but really struggles to involve himself in the game. It’s going to be another puzzle that Fonseca will need to solve as Luka Jovic isn’t the best of deputies either and someone will have to take it up a notch so that Morata is not overused.
And then there is Rafael Leao. The Portuguese did really well on the goal, but then at times struggled a bit on that left flank with his shooting and decision-making letting him down. It wasn’t the worst of games for sure, but that sloppy pass which led to Parma’s goal tipped the scale.
The winger should really know better than to play such passes when he clearly has better options. The sloppy pass aside, he again failed to be the game-changer Milan need and it’s just frustrating to watch at this point.
5. Fonseca needs to change things fast
The manager started well with pre-season games, showing a bit of promise, but Serie A action has certainly exposed his tactics in two separate games already. Against Torino, Milan got lucky to claw back a point but against Parma, the defence crumbled which led to the first loss of the season.
It’s actually quite bizarre how Milan played, especially how high their line was. The two centre-backs were constantly exposed on the counter due to sloppy passing further up the pitch and the full-backs were nowhere to be seen which is purely down to the coach’s tactics.
Not to mention the decision to field Tijjani Reijnders and Yunus Musah in the double pivot, with neither of the two being a pure destroyer. Youssouf Fofana might help with that, but even he might not be enough if Theo and Calabria/ Emerson continue to push high up the pitch.
In short, a lot of questions to be answered and Fonseca needs to find the answers fast as his current tactics aren’t working.
