As Neil Lennon sat at the Stadio Olimpico watch Torino force a sluggish and slow AC Milan side to a last-second penalty to get a point from the relegation threatened Granata, you can probably assume that if he was typically stoic and sullen on the outside, the Celtic manager would be grinning like a Cheshire Cat on the inside.
Because the sight of the typically star-studded rossoneri fail to breakdown a stubborn and counter-attacking Torino side means that there is hope for the Bhoys ahead of their trip to Italy on Wednesday. The Scottish champions proved with their shock win over Barcelona in last year’s Champions League that they are capable of making possession-happy teams have uncomfortable nights and Milan have proven time and time again they struggle against sides that force them to think about how they’re going to win.
Against Torino, Milan were slow, predictable and painful to watch as Masimiliano Allegri’s returning 4-3-1-2 robbed Milan of any natural width or pace, instead relying on Kaka’ to create magic while constantly surrounded by Torino players on the edge of the box or reverting back to the “lob it Balotelli” philosophy that seems to be the safety net for Allegri’s side, especially in this shape.
Milan hadn’t lost to Torino in over a decade. In seven of the last ten meetings before Saturday’s draw, Milan won while keeping a clean sheet. Anyone who thought Max Allegri would be a good replacement for Cesare Prandelli as Italy boss may want to re-consider that decision after watching the display on Saturday.
Once again questions will be asked of a Milan coach who changed the formation after the arrival of Kaka’ on the reported instruction of Silvio Berlusconi, who wanted to see Milan play with a trequartista, an attacking midfielder like Milan have boasted during their European glories. That is all well and good, but you can play with an attacking midfielder without reverting to a formation that has been continually proven ineffective.
This writer praised Allegri for his tactical variation last season as the former Cagliari tactician tried out different styles and tactics in an attempt to find out the best way to organise his players. It was admirable. At least he’s trying. However, reverting back to this formation on the instruction of his president smacks of apathy. “Well, if he suggests it, it’s not my fault at least.”
There are ways to play with attacking midfielder(s) that don’t turn your team into a sluggish mess. Arsenal do it, Real Madrid do it, Chelsea do it. Arsenal played with three attack-minded midfielders against Sunderland on Satursay(Mesut Ozil, Jack Wilshere, Santi Cazorla) and didn’t play 4-3-1-2. It’s not the only option.
There have rightly been queries sent to the management, and rightly so too. Why not Keisuker Honda now? Why is Matias Silvestre the defensive acquisition? Why Alessandro Matri for €12m while Christian Eriksen goes to Tottenham Hotspur(who aren’t even playing in the Champions League) for €11m? Why do you wait until the last week of the transfer window to bring in the very player that is warranting a change in formation in the first place? The Milan roster isn’t anywhere near Juventus at this moment, and it doesn’t seem to be improving soon.
There is a sense of confusion at Via Turati. An inability to stick to an identity, and the unwillingness to commit to bringing in the pieces to change it. The alleged “youth movement” that will only be bringing in young players? The last three players Milan bought are aged: 28, 29, 31. Instead of building a side around 20-year-old Stephan El Shaarawy, you give a four-year contract to the back-up-to-a-back-up Alessandro Matri and switch to a formation that turns the young talented forward into the odd one out. Milan have a chance at possessingone of the most exciting partnerships in Europe with El Shaarawy and Balotelli but seem to be ignoring the opportunity. Detractors pointing to the young strikers form are right to doso, but how is the kid going to improve if he doesn’t play?
Milan welcome Celtic in the hope that like years gone by, a promising European performance will help lift spirits and erase the memory of yet another domestic disappointment. However, with Celtic promising to play tight, physical, disciplined football, Milan could once again be embarrassed by a weaker opponent. A change is needed at Milan, but whether that will ever materialize is much less certain.
