Milan have won 5 on the bounce and find themselves sitting at the top of the league table after matchday 5. Are you surprised? I am. I mean, I thought we’d see an improvement from last season but nothing like this, or at least this early in the season. But, after beating Napoli and having one of the best goal scoring attacks, one of the toughest defenses, and tied for the best goal differential in Serie A, Milan is firing on all cylinders and letting the league know they’re going to be fighting for the Scudetto.
As for this game, wow. Milan put Napoli on notice IMMEDIATELY. The first Milan goal was sublime. Pulisic’s creativity on the ball to deflect it up the pitch, the speed to track it down and keep it in play, and the ball across the front of goal for the Saelemaekers tap in. Brilliant.
Saelemaekers obviously did his job on that play by making a smart run and scoring, but Giménez was crucial on that play too. His movement kept the last defender from charging towards Pulisic after Pulisic’s defender missed his challenge, and Giménez’s slowing of the run kept the same defender from collapsing into the 6 yard box, thus keeping the crossing lane free. It was a smart, intuitive play and isn’t the thing a lot of people hype up but the opportunity maybe doesn’t go as smoothly or successfully without it.
Milan’s second goal was also well executed, with Pavlović doing one of his jaunting, galloping forward runs (dude looks like a moose running), playing it across to Fofana, and Fofana calmly laying it off for Pulisic to first-time it for the 2-0 lead. One more thing on this: often a player, usually a CB or even a DM, will run up unmarked and then willingly stop or play it laterally or back despite plenty of space in front of him. This always bugs me. Yes, you have to be cognizant of not vacating your space and responsibility, but you can also disrupt the defense and their defensive responsibilities by making a darting run when you’re being left unmarked. Pavlović did that on this run and a clean passing angle was there to Fofana and likewise, Fofana had an easy layoff in a lane Pulisic exploited. Beautiful team football.
The not so good part of this game was Estupiñan’s decision to tug at Di Lorenzo at the 55 minute mark. Milan was firmly in control up to that point but it was a turning point nonetheless. Despite being down 1-0 after 3 minutes, Napoli had only managed 3 shots 30 minutes in, and only 5 more shots between Pulisic’s goal in the 31st minute to put them up 2-0 and Estupiñan’s red card (8 total shots). But after that? Napoli fired off 11 shots the final 30 minutes plus stoppage time including the penalty kick.
Estupiñan had been mostly solid up until this game. And even in this game, wasn’t exactly terrible until the stupid red card. Being up 2-0 at the time, if you mess up and are behind a guy, tussle with him sure but you can’t do anything to risk a sending off. Milan will be fine up 2-1 with all 11 guys. Someone in the comments said players need to understand that you can’t do that stuff anymore with VAR. It’s like throwing elbows or punches. Yes, they aren’t going to catch everything but you’re taking an awful risk for yourself and more importantly, your team. Estupiñan now misses the Juventus game this weekend and now Bartesaghi gets a chance to take the spot from you, or at least to give Allegri something to think about with a solid performance.
While the red card jeopardized the win, Milan was dominating this game, make no mistake about it. This was a statement performance, one that rang out all throughout Italy. Barring a deluge of injuries, Milan is well-positioned with the light schedule to maybe run away with the Scudetto with a little bit of luck.
Allegri, along with Rabiot, are making me eat my words and initial skepticism. Both have been crucial players/factors in this Milan resurgence along with Modrić. The team is organized, focused, and determined to get results. I’ve always been one to believe that you didn’t need to overall a roster with elite players but rather with smart formations, tactics, and execution. While it’s no doubt the talent on the team is better, at least when it comes to the midfield, a problematic backline is all-the-sudden sturdy. A team short on attackers is banging in goals. And yes, the midfield is where you make your money, I know I didn’t think Allegri would be the one with the clarity of thought and execution to pull this off.
Things are still early, no doubt, but Milan has been doing this without their most talented player (Leão) and the consensus big-time signing of Jashari, who’s been out with a broken leg. With Pulisic playing on god mode, same with Modrić, both Leão and Jashari can come back into the fold with ease and a freedom of performance to play loose and be contributors to well-run team in top form.
All signs are pointing to our Milan being back…and I’m all here for it.
What Happened in Serie A
Five rounds in and Milan is at the top! But you knew that already. You also know Napoli are BEHIND us and sit in 2nd. But let’s talk about the rest of the league.
Roma (3rd) finally scored more than 1 goal in league play, beating Hellas Verona (17th) 2-0. They are the stingiest team in the league, however, with Gasperini’s side having only conceded 1 goal through 5 games (although they gave up 1 in their 2-1 Europa win midweek, so I’m expecting more cracks to come).
Juventus (4th) drew their second straight league game and third overall (drew with Dortmund 2 weeks ago), drawing 1-1 vs Atalanta (6th). There’s a lot of angst building among Juventini, angst around a team unable to win. I’d love for Milan to add to that this weekend.
Inter (5th) have won 2 straight in the league, winning at Cagliari (9th) 2-0. Cagliari have been tough out the gates this season, so this is a better win than how it normally looks on paper, especially on the road. Cremonese (7th) drew their third straight game, 1-1 at Como (8th). Cremonese still remain undefeated, a surprising start to their return to the top flight. Sitting at 9 points, they’re just about 1/3 of the way to safety.
Bologna (10th) drew 2-2 at Lecce (20th). With Lecce fielding a weak lineup vs Milan midweek in the Coppa, this was a needed point even if they’re still sitting dead last in the table. Udinese (11th) bounced back from their loss to Milan by beating Sassuolo (13th) 3-1, while Lazio (12th) got back to winning ways, winning at Genoa (19th) by a score of 3-0.
Finally, Parma (14th) beat Torino (15th) 2-1 and Fiorentina (16th) drew 0-0 at Pisa (18th). Fiorentina is winless so far this season and only have 3 points. People are starting to wonder about Pioli’s job security. But have faith! #IPIT!
Now, ratings.
Player Ratings
Goal Keeping
MAIGNAN 8.5 – A little high? I don’t think so. It was the most shots Milan has faced all season and while the team limited the big chances, Napoli still had an xG of 2.89. So basically Mike kept 2 goals off of the board.
Goal Keeping Overall 8.5
Defense
TOMORI 7 – Solid again. Appears to have left injured and might miss the Juventus game (abductor). With a break after, maybe they give him 3 weeks to recover. De Winter is more than adequate.
GABBIA 7 – Solid.
PAVLOVIĆ 7.5 – Probably the least solid of the 3 CBs defensively but still good. His runs forward are the most awkward looking things ever but they’re usually effective. Great run to help set up the second goal.
Defense Overall 7
Midfield
SAELEMAEKERS 8.5 – Another excellent performance and a goal to boot! Didn’t need to do much on the shot but he slotted it home after a smart run.
FOFANA 7.5 – Great layoff to Pulisic for the second goal.
MODRIĆ 7.5 – Another top notch effort in the books.
RABIOT 7 – Not exactly stand out but very effective. Love that he’s keeping RLC usage to a minimum.
ESTUPIÑÁN 3 – Just can’t do that. Getting the red brought life to Napoli.
Midfield Overall 7
Forwards
PULISIC 9 MOTM – Yes, again. How could it not be. He’s doing everything exceptionally well and everything he’s touching is turning into pure gold. That’s now 8 g/a across all competitions in just 345 minutes, or a goal/assist every 43 minutes. Insane pace.
GIMÉNEZ 6.5 – Giménez had a good game. It wasn’t great but he’s putting in the work. He may have scored had Milan not gone down a man. He’ll be fine.
Forwards Overall 7.5
Subs
BARTESAGHI 6.5 – I can see more and more of you coming around on the kid. He’s solid, decent pace, and is tall. A nice, unique feature for a LB/LWB. Helps on those far post crosses and dead balls. Big opportunity next game with Estupiñan out vs Juventus.
ATHEKAME 6 – Did a good job running, which is what you have to do being down a guy when he came in. Napoli kept trying to get something going on his side but he did a good job snuffing most of it out.
LEÃO 6.5 – I mentioned in the comments of the matchday that if you ever questioned what other teams think of Leão, this pretty much summed it up. More to the point, Pulisic may have a career year but he won’t stay on this insane pace. And when he falls off we’re going to be VERY glad Leão is still a part of this team.
DE WINTER 6.5 – Really solid. Started at LCB for Pavlović a few games back, will likely get the chance to start at RCB vs Juventus with Tomori banged up.
LOFTUS-CHEEK NA – He played.
Subs Overall 6.5
Coaching
ALLEGRI 8 – Another solid game plan. He sat back like I mentioned in the matchday and it was a clinic until going down a man. People seem to be liking the 3-5-2, and I am one of them, as it keeps RLC off the pitch now with Rabiot integrated. I know some are wondering about how Leão is going to fit in. I think he’ll be fine. I like him out wide but being able to operate in space is just as if not more important.
This concern about Leão not running enough is unwarranted. He won’t run as much as some, that’s true. But teams aren’t going to be bombing forward as much with him out there either because of what he can do in space, especially countering. Remember, it doesn’t have to work the same for it to work. I think, with how much Allegri has cozied up to Leão, he understands this and will adjust accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Big statement. Big win. Another big game this Sunday vs Juventus. Not only is Juve in 4th and a point back, but getting the win puts Milan in the driver’s seat in their head to head. Should be fun.
Matchday on Sunday, game at 2:45pm EST/6:45pm GMT.
Forza Milan.
gillis
