Milan's tactical drift
The recent 2-0 defeat to Sassuolo exposed more than just a lack of finishing. When you look at the defensive spacing, the gap between the midfield line and the back four was cavernous. Fikayo Tomori looked lost, frequently caught between pressing the ball carrier and tracking runners in behind.
It is becoming a regular occurrence. The central defensive partnership lacks the cohesion required to hold a high line in Serie A. If they continue to allow such generous transition windows, the remainder of the season looks bleak.
The Manchester contrast
Compare that fragility to what happened at Old Trafford on Sunday. Manchester United managed to complete a 3-2 double over Liverpool. Yes, the game was chaotic, but they displayed the physical intensity that Milan lacks right now.
United had individuals who were willing to win duels in the final 20 minutes. At Milan, the energy just seems to evaporate once they concede the first goal. It is a recurring psychological deficit that won't be fixed by simply tweaking the XI.
Predicting the recovery
Confidence is at a seasonal low for the Rossoneri. They are drifting into the final stretch without a clear plan to stabilize the defense. Watching the tape, the midfield runners are not tracking back with the urgency seen in mid-table sides.
- Individual errors in the backline are not isolated incidents but structural failures.
- The lack of positional awareness in defensive transitions is a coaching concern.
- Opponents have realized sitting deep and hitting long balls completely nullifies the press.
I expect them to continue struggling in the immediate term. They are currently a side without an identity on the pitch. They will likely drop points in their next fixture unless there is a complete overhaul in their defensive transition trigger points.
My prediction for their next outing is a disappointing 1-1 draw that leaves more questions than answers. They need a reset, but the schedule gives them no breathing room.
