GdS: Few excuses as Milan struggled to create against worst Serie A defence | OneFootball

Although AC Milan came away with all three points against Hellas Verona last night, it was a poor game for a variety of reasons. As highlighted by Gazzetta dello Sport this morning, the Rossoneri cannot continue like this.

The pink newspaper didn’t hold back on the criticism (see photo below), as what should be normal by now – i.e. beating Verona and playing good football – wasn’t seen last night. The win, nevertheless, confirmed the quality of the two best players: Youssouf Fofana and Tijjani Reijnders.

The Frenchman was responsible for an absolutely lovely assist for the Dutchman, who found the back of the net with a great finish. Alex Jimenez also did well, playing both as a full-back and winger, and Paulo Fonseca now sees him as a starter.

Speaking of the left flank, Theo Hernandez replaced the injured Rafael Leao and both players disappointed. The No.19 looked as if he had been forced to enter the pitch: distracted and disconnected from the atmosphere of the match.

Leao, meanwhile, didn’t have loads of time on the pitch but caught the attention due to a senseless back-heel and a few lost balls. Adding the subpar performances of Samuel Chukwueze and Tammy Abraham to this, it’s clear why Milan struggled to create chances.

Fonseca filled the last half hour with full-backs and defenders, closing with a five-man defence. Having to deal with so many absences is a valid alibi, but it doesn’t bail Milan out completely as they arguably should have done better.

Verona have the worst defence in the league, until yesterday they had conceded almost 2.5 goals on average per game. Apart from the goal, the Rossoneri didn’t really have any changes and that cannot be solely due to the absences. Sometimes all that matters is winning, though, not how.