Typically, a trip to Udinese is a difficult match, but Milan made it look easy on Saturday. Pulisic stole the show with two goals and an assist, but even Fofana finally found the back of the net. In fact, there were so many positives in the 3-0 win over Udinese that the media and fans have gone off the deep end with overreactions and grandiose adulation declaring the entire season a success based on this one match. I did notice something, though, with the absence of Allegri. In the five matches so far in the Coppa Italia and the league, our two best performances were when Allegri was not on the bench. Coincidence? Or do they actually perform better with a visibly more calm Landucci? Just a little something for your consideration.
 |
| Pulisic gave everyone a night to remember. |
The match literally started a few minutes late due to the color of Milan's socks. Both teams had white at their ankles, and that is problematic for referees when they are watching for offside, etc., so the players had to add yellow tape to cover up the white so the referees could do their job properly. I would have been 100% fine if they hadn't worn the piss yellow kits two weeks in a row, but whatever. We'll see if the Sporting Justice fines Milan again for the late start, as the were fined last week.
 |
| Captain Gabbia putting a spell on Milan's defense for their 3rd consecutive clean sheet. |
While Udinese's Atta technically got the first shot off, Pulisic made his intentions known in just the third minute, after a great pass from Rabiot, forcing Sava into a big save from close range. Udinese, in turn, made their intentions known, with Kristensen, a defender Milan are watching for a potential move in January, attempted to break Pulisic with a forceful tackle. It was the first of many, many physical attacks on poor little Pulisic. But he got his revenge in the best possible of ways.
Santi Gimenez, whom the media are obsessing over every minute he plays and does not score, took another shot straight to the goalkeeper in the 18th minute. As Fofana said in his postmatch interview, paraphrasing another footballer, "A goal is like ketchup; when the first one comes, the others follow." The fans and media really need to learn some patience with the ketchup, the pressure they placed on another young player with a big price tag ruined his first year with Milan, but now he's playing in the Champions League, and has more than proven himself to be the player everyone thought he was.
 |
| Estupiñan feeling more comfortable with the left side every match. |
Estupiñan is getting more comfortable in his role, and created a couple of opportunities for himself and for Pulisic, but was unfortunately ruled offside. However, it was in the 40th minute that Pulisic made his official declaration, as Kristensen attempted to clear Estupiñan's cross, but Pulisic pounced on it to slot it past Sava. 1-0 Milan. Udinese had a call for a penalty from contact from Pavlović on Davis in the box. However, Doveri, who was sent to avoid the abominable reffing last week that resulted in suspensions for both Mercenaro and Fabbri, waved it away. And Terracciano did make one save just before the halftime whistle, but Milan were overall quite dominant.
The second half started off with a Fofana goal. That's right, you read that correctly, Pulisic assisted, and Fofana actually got the ball in the back of the net. 2-0 Milan. I waited for other signs that the world was ending, but was pleasantly surprised when the earth kept turning, and the match kept going. Afterward, he spoke about Allegri's challenge for he and Loftus-Cheek to score 10-15 goals this season, and people did not forget about the request, either.
 |
| Fofana levitating while celebrating, like all of our brains were, after his goal. |
In fact, just a few minutes later, Pulisic took a fantastic pass from Rabiot, and just powered the ball into the back of the net. 3-0 Milan. Landucci said of him after the match, "When he shoots at goal, goalkeepers are said to be sounding the death knell. When he shoots, he's deadly." For his entire performance, Serie A awarded Pulisic their POTM, while Milan fans also voted him MOTM.
The substitutions began shortly thereafter. Pulisic and Santi Gimenez were replaced by Loftus-Cheek and Nkunku. Five minutes later, De Winter replaced Pavlović, and Ricci came on for Fofana. Udinese were trying to get back into the match, with Atta forcing a save from Terracciano, and then Zanioli taking a shot that went just wide. Saelemaekers countered that with a shot of his own that forced a save.
 |
| Even Pavlović had a great match, despite lower confidence in him from some fans. |
But it was in the 81st that we saw two lovely things. First, Athekame made his first appearance, and secondly, he was replacing Modrić, who received a standing ovation from the entire stadium. In the final minutes, both Estupiñan and Rabiot took shots across the face of goal that went just wide, but in the end, it was just the brace and the assist from Pulisic for Fofan'as goal that made the convincing 3-0 win.
As encouraging as the match was, the best part was still the Curva Sud. Seeing them with flags and banners and hearing them sing the entire match was more than just music to my ears. It was like coming home, like a warm fireplace during a storm, your favorite dinner ready for you when you walk in the door. Milan is not the same without the organized support of the Curva Sud, and all of the matches the past year without them and their colors and passion have felt so cold and empty. I truly hope that the rumored talks between all parties to resolve the issues so they can have flags, banners, coreografia, and all the people that make those things happen once again are true.
 |
| The first of what I suspect will be many standing ovations for Modrić. |
I find it embarrassing for the media and fans that when Pioli's team started to play well, many gave all the credit to Ibrahimović. Now, Allegri has been blessed with Modrić and Rabiot, and the best midfield we've had in decades, but it is all up to Allegri's genius? Particularly when Allegri has been suspended for the best two performances, maybe give some of the credit to Tare's work and also the players. Much like Pioli always attributed the team's success under him as a true team effort from top to bottom. Something to consider.
Last season, everyone chose who to blame, from management to the coaches to the players, or any combination of the three. In particular, players like Leão and Theo, who were repeatedly gaslighted by Fonseca, or were actually blamed entirely, and the fans convinced they were lazy and had bad attitudes. Yet, suddenly, Allegri arrives, tells a completely different story about Leão, the same exact player. Also suddenly, Allegri gets credit for transforming him or something? No, it's more like Landucci said about Leão, "whom we found to be an exemplary professional."
 |
| How we all felt after seeing Pulisic's crazy good performance in this one. |
Sure, it makes a massive difference if you have an abusive manager throwing you under the bus, or even a supportive and winning manager whom the toxic Italian media are constantly deriding, as they seem to do with all players and managers from a certain country that is not Italy. And Leão being from that same country, has always faced the same hypercriticism as well. But suddenly, Allegri, an Italian manager, with horrific personal character, but credentials the Italian media apparently approve of (primarily being Italian,) says he is a good player, and now suddenly everyone agrees?
Honestly, it's great that the pressure is finally off of Leão, but Leão is just as great as he has always been, even when he didn't race over to the abusive Fonseca for the cooling break, and the Allegri glorification is completely over the top. We saw him be criticized with the loss to Cremonese, so expect them to pull him off of his pedestal aagain when performances change. Meanwhile, Allegri was compared to a "caged lion" in the press box during his suspension for this match, reportedly getting angry and banging on tables. I guess they're lucky he kept his clothes on.
Rabiot quickly becoming an integral player in the midfield as well.
I'm not sure why the media are so quick to give Allegri all of the credit here, though. We saw Allegri's team before Modrić arrived. And it wasn't pretty. And then we saw it after Modrić arrived, and barring some bizarre lineups and the aforementioned drama from the sideline, Modrić and the other new players have perhaps had a much bigger effect. Also... how is anyone comparing this team with last year's team? There are only nine players left from that squad. Allegri was gifted almost an entirely new squad, with an incredible midfield. Because it is never just one person. Even Tare has had a tremendous impact on this season.
Truly, I am so happy with this performance, but it would be helpful to remember that Milan have played five competitive matches now. With another 40-ish to go. I get whiplash reading the reactions and hot takes after every match. Look at the positives, sure, but also keep in mind that the Championship is not won in a single match, it is a marathon of 38 matches. And perhaps, just maybe, consider toning it down with the Allegri deification. You need to create some credibility for when you demonize him the next time Milan play poorly.
The players seem to respond better to someone who is actually "Calma, calma, calma.'
Will Milan continue the streak of excellent performances without Allegri on Tuesday? Only time, specifically that 90 minutes on Tuesday night, will tell. There are rumors of a number of rotations, so anything could happen. But if we are to make it through this season with our sanity in tact, we would all do well to remind Allegri to keep his clothes on, and likewise, keep our expectations realistic. Just something for your consideration.
Milan Primavera with a Late Equalizer for a 1-1 Draw with Frosinone
 |
| Scotti's late penalty gave the Primavera their first point at home this season. |
The Primavera have been dominating away, but struggling at home this season, and Saturday was no exception. But a late penalty meant the final score was Milan Primavera 1, Frosinone 1, and gave them their first point at home, almost as good as a victory for Renna's side. This one started out with Frosinone Primavera forcing Longoni into some big saves early on. However, in the 23rd minute, his first block wasn't enough, as Colley scored on the rebound, putting Frosinone up 1-0. Milan Primavera were creating some chances, and Castiello did force Frosinone's goalkeeper into a big save right before the half, a sign of things to come.
The second half saw Milan create more chances and keep Frosinone on the defense. After some bad luck and some great saves from Frosinone, Scotti missed a big chance in the 92nd minute. However, fate was kind, as he was fouled in the box two minutes later, and Milan Primavera awarded a penalty. Despite the pressure, he took the penalty and did not miss. His goal rescued the point for Milan, and finally, they had a result at home. Brief highlights can be found here. Next up, they guys travel to Cremonese on Saturday, let's hope their stellar away form continues.
A Brilliant 3-2 Comeback Win for Milan Futuro vs. Chievo Verona
 |
| Diego Sia started the comeback and put in a MOTM performance. |
Sunday, Milan Futuro faced their most difficult test of the season when they faced Group B leaders Chievo Verona, who had been perfect going into this match. Despite initially going down by two goals, Milan Futuro fought back for a 3-2 win over Chievo, bumping them from seventh all the way up to second in the group. Not only was this a great confidence builder for Oddo's boys, but it also kept their undefeated record in both the Coppa Italia and Serie D.
Chievo opened up the scoring with a golazzo from D'Este from distance. Their goalkeeper made an incredible point blank save on Cappelletti at the other end, then De Cerchio scored after Bouyer came out and was beaten, and his defenders were unable to cover for him. However, Diego Sia returned the fire with a powerful shot from distance in the 42nd, and now it was 2-1 for Chievo. After the break, Chaka Traorè scored another one, and finally, Cappelletti got his goal in the 56th with a shot from distance to make it 3-2 for Milan Futuro. Highlights are available or the full match can be viewed here.
 |
| Cappelletti and Chaka Traorè the other goalscorers to complete the comeback. |
While I recognize that this is Serie D, and is semi-professional, I genuinely don't understand how anyone can argue that Milan Futuro's failures last season were not in large part down to keeping such a poor manager in Daniele Bonera for most of the season. Oddo's arrival made an immediate positive impact at the end of the season, even if he was not given enough time to save the season. And this year, despite losing 19 of their very best players, the squad are organized, confident, and have cohesive tactics, despite still playing against grown-ass men. And ultimately, that is a massive failure on Kirovski and Ibrahimović to have kept Bonera for so long. Oddo's Futuro play again midweek, away to Casatese Merate on Wednesday.
Reviewed by Elaine
on
Rating:
