Cagliari-AC Milan: Inzaghi In, Borriello Out, Adiyiah Due a Chance

In recent weeks, AC Milan’s season has stalled to almost a halt. Not only have the Rossoneri only won one of their last six matches, but their performances have also failed to inspire any confidence that they are capable of winning the Scudetto.

Despite Milan’s poor run of results, Leo’s side still find themselves only three points behind leaders Inter and therefore still have a great chance to win the title.

Still, one remains skeptical whether the Rossoneri can overturn their recent slide in form to mount a serious challenge.

With such a fragile squad, the injuries to Nesta, Pato, and Beckham have greatly affected the side and have provided Leo with even fewer options available to him than before.

Not only have Milan been greatly weakened by the absence of these three players, but in addition, the form of a couple of Milan’s fit players have become questionable.

The first player called into question is Marco Borriello. The Italian’s career was on the up earlier in the season where some good displays and a respectable goal scoring ratio eventually won over many Milan fans, including myself, and even Marcello Lippi who recently gave Borriello another chance for the Azzurri.

But it seems like it was all too much for Borriello, for since appearing for the Azzurri, his form has radically declined. Borriello’s form has not only been very poor, but his work-rate has completely disappeared along with his goalscoring boots.

For this reason, Leo would do well to drop Borriello for the clash against Cagliari this weekend. For when a player performs so poorly, he must be relegated to the bench.

In his place Leo should call upon Inzaghi. For Inzaghi, despite being almost ten years Borriello’s elder, has in recent games displayed a tenacity, energy and determination that puts Borriello to shame. The character that Inzaghi has shown is the kind of character that wins titles.

In addition, Inzaghi’s movement actually provides Milan’s more creative players with options. Unlike Borriello, who compared to Inzaghi has next to no ability when it comes to movement and running into open spaces.

With the loss of Pato, Milan’s attacking options have been greatly reduced. With Borriello in such poor form, there is effectively no genuine attacking options for the likes of Ronaldinho, Seedorf and Pirlo to play to. So Inzaghi must play instead.

Along with Borriello, the one other Milan player that has experienced a decline in form is that of the captain, Massimo Ambrosini.

The captain has been impressive for much of the season, however, one suspects that after such a number of impressive, gritty and determined displays, his legs may be catching up with him.

Still, if Milan are to push for the title, the captain has to lift his game and inspire his team mates to do likewise.

Lastly, the subject of Adiyiah needs to be touched upon. For since joining Milan, the young starlet has barely featured and is still yet to make his Serie A debut.

Given the few options available to Leo due to injuries along with the fact that Adiyiah has quality in abundance, the time is right for Leo to give his young star a chance.

At 20 years of age, Adiyiah is more than old enough for top flight football, though Italian football in general would not agree.

But more importantly, Adiyiah is everything that this current Milan side lack, youth and quality. Why Adiyiah has not been given a chance as yet, given the situation at Milan, is baffling but typical of Italian football.

Something needs to be changed in this Milan side for quite clearly if things continue on as they are, Milan’s title hopes will slowly but surely fade.