GdS: ‘The S word’ – the key qualities that could turn Milan’s title dream into reality

The phrase ‘Scudetto’ is starting to be talked about in AC Milan circles with elevated frequency, however have they got what it takes to dream?

Whereas Massimiliano Allegri and the gamers refuse to publicly declare it as a goal, the desk tells us that Milan are two factors behind Roma, tied with Napoli and one forward of Inter. Moreover, they solely play as soon as per week, and so they have crushed all 4 of the opposite groups within the high 5.

Why ought to Milan imagine?

To start with, La Gazzetta dello Sport write, as a result of at sure moments of the sport they’re extremely strong. Not all the time, however at sure moments. Within the derby they risked conceding a purpose and needed to name on a 2022 model of Mike Maignan for assist.

The xG figures present 1.74 to 0.88 for Inter, who missed a penalty and hit the publish twice. The xG figures additionally present that Milan, of their 4 head-to-head matches towards Napoli, Juve, Roma, and Inter, have conceded 6.5 xG, which isn’t low. But, they conceded just one purpose: a penalty from De Bruyne.

Allegri arrange a 5-3-2, and it’s not simple to assault a block like that. They couldn’t get by the centre. On the left facet, Inter’s finest flank, Alexis Saelemaekers doubled-teamed. After they did get a cross off, Matteo Gabbia and Strahinja Pavlovic have been ready to clear like anti-aircraft weapons.

Milan can compete among the many high groups till Might, partly as a result of – among the many groups up there – they’ve probably the most room to right errors. Napoli are nonetheless discovering their kind amid a predictable Conte storm. Inter are struggling in direct clashes and have an inexperienced coach. Roma have query marks.

Milan’s issues appear decidedly extra solvable: focus towards smaller groups, and attacking options towards groups that defend deep. Allegri is a specialist within the first two points; he’s been engaged on them for a very long time now.

The derby confirmed one thing else: how very important Adrien Rabiot is. With him beginning, Milan have performed 5 video games, profitable 4 and drawing one towards Juventus. The one purpose conceded was towards Napoli (a penalty), so zero from open play with Allegri’s ‘loopy horse’ on the sphere.

Final however not least, the people. Milan have been dysfunctional since their final Scudetto win and fractured too, however now everybody appears to be again on the identical web page. Maignan is again to his true self, Leao had a few starring performances and has loads of room for enchancment bodily.

As for Pulisic, he’s been impressively constant for 2 and a half years. Modric is the person who retains everybody shifting on the identical tempo and forces them to be formidable, as a result of at Actual Madrid, should you’re not formidable, they received’t allow you to keep for lengthy. Deep down, he most likely believes in ‘the S phrase’.