3 Issues AC Milan Need to Work on During November International Break

Seven AC Milan players were called up to play during the international break (Nigel de Jong has since returned to Italy with a hamstring injury), but the majority of the team was left behind. Those players have started doing their own fitness routines, and they have a lot to prepare for.

The Derby della Madonnina with Inter comes right after the break, and even though their cross-city rivals are not doing any better, Milan must find a way to win against a team they have managed to beat just once in their past six encounters.

Every part of their game is a concern. They cannot defend set pieces, their strikers cannot score, and they are overrun in midfield.

Coach Pippo Inzaghi has a lot to change over the next few weeks—himself included. Some of his decisions make no sense, and he has not made smart substitutions.

Here’s a look at some things that could use some work.

Defence Lacking Any Shape

Carlo Baroncini/Associated Press

It is not halfway through the season, and already, Coach Inzaghi has used half a dozen different pairings in the middle of defence. He has continued to use Daniele Bonera, who has rewarded his team with two red cards in five appearances. The defence as a whole cannot defend against a set piece. Even Ignazio Abate, who sprinted into the season, has since slowed down.

What this team needs most is a consistent performance from their back four. Inzaghi must decide on a partnership that works. Alex and Adil Rami are by and large the best two defenders on the team, and it’s time to use them regularly.

Inzaghi Needs to Learn Lessons

Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Inzaghi started the season well enough. The team seemed to have some team spirit, and he celebrated with his players when they scored. But that spirit has lost some fuel, and Inzaghi has not made the greatest decisions since.

With a midfield overreliant on De Jong and without any imagination, Inzaghi has instead used destroyers, keeping a versatile player like Marco van Ginkel on the bench. 

Michael Essien was once a great player, but that is past tense. Essien cannot keep up with the pace of the game. Together, with Sulley Muntari, a mistake is going to be made.

What’s worse, the 41-year-old coach has insisted on using Bonera to the detriment of the team, playing him as full-back against Sampdoria even though a perfectly capable full-back (Pablo Armero) who hasn’t started a single game was available on the bench.

Inzaghi has not been able to adjust his team on the go. Sometimes, he just throws on two attackers and hopes for the best, quite like Massimiliano Allegri did. There is a reason why Milan have not won a game after conceding a goal first.

Milan's Strikers Need Some Help

Marco Vasini/Associated Press

Fernando Torres has said that he has sights on returning to the Spain national team, per Cuatro (via Football Italia). He will only play for Spain again if he starts scoring, and he will only start scoring if he gets some service.

Right now, the 30-year-old is largely out on the field to fend for himself, tracking back to get the ball. He is not spending enough time in dangerous areas, and when he is there, he is not getting the ball on net.

Then, there is Giampaolo Pazzini sitting quietly. He has made all five appearances as a late substitute, managing just a single shot.

Inzaghi has instead trusted Jeremy Menez as a false nine, but the Frenchman is too selfish at times. There is a lack of balance about this team, and Inzaghi has to find a way to even it out.