Andrea Bertolacci Disappoints in AC Milan's Defeat to Roma

AC Milan’s 2015-16 Serie A campaign ended with a whimper in the form of a 3-1 home defeat to Roma on Saturday night.

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The result reflected an abject team performance devoid of inspiration or direction—worrying signs considering a Coppa Italia final against Juventus is a matter of days away.

On Saturday, the Rossoneri will take on the reigning Italian champions in a bid to secure their first silverware since 2011. However, cup victory is also imperative if they are to ensure a return to European football, with their poor recent form allowing Sassuolo to take sixth spot in the league.

Andrea Bertolacci’s debut season at the San Siro has, in many ways, been microcosmic of Milan’s in general, with the 25-year-old midfielder plagued by inconsistency and constant tactical change. All in all, it’s been a disappointing year for the Italy international, and the Roma display was merely the latest in a long line of underwhelming outings.

Signed from Roma last summer for £15 million, he—like many of his team-mates—looked lost against his former employers last Saturday.

Not only did the Giallorossi control the ball, with 65 per cent of possession, per WhoScored.com, but they also looked far more threatening in attacking areas. The quality of their passing and movement led to some fluid combinations Milan simply could not negate or counter.

The home side’s defensive line was caught out both for Roma’s opener through Mohamed Salah and the second, scored by Stephan El Shaarawy against his parent club. The visitors added a third through substitute Emerson before Carlos Bacca bagged a consolation strike on 86 minutes.

Afterward, Milan coach Cristian Brocchi commented on his players’ insipid performance, telling Mediaset Premium (h/t Football Italia)

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It was a game we interpreted badly, not just in terms of tactics and technique. Unfortunately today attitude and hunger were totally lacking. We lacked the desire to fight and to get to the ball first. We had prepared several tactical situations and anyone could see Roma’s second goal was entirely avoidable. We talked about it all week and despite that were still surprised in a very naïve manner.

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Amid the beautiful possession play Luciano Spalletti’s side demonstrated, Bertolacci found it hard to get a touch. As a creative midfielder who prefers having the ball to chasing it, he found the circumstances particularly harsh.

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According to WhoScored, he managed just 27 touches. For context, his replacement—Giacomo Bonaventura—managed 26 with considerably less playing time. Those touches did not comprise one single key pass, shot or successful dribble. To make matters worse, he had three instances of poor control—more than any other Milan player on the day.

Bertolacci’s defensive contribution was lacking too, especially when compared to his colleagues in midfield. Juraj Kucka made six more tackles and four more interceptions than him, while Manuel Locatelli, an 18-year-old making his full debut for the club, fared better in terms of interceptions, clearances and blocks.

If this were his audition for a starting place in the Coppa Italia final, it could not have gone worse.

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Bertolacci was given a chance against Roma but was taken off after just 57 minutes to loud jeers from the Milan support. A wry smile adorned his face, though this was probably to mask his frustrations.

When Brocchi decides upon his midfield for the clash with Juventus, he will have other options. Captain Riccardo Montolivo will likely be recalled to the starting lineup in place of Locatelli. Kucka deserves to retain his place because of his drive, effort and dynamism.

Assuming Milan persist with a three-man midfield, Bonaventura will likely take the left-sided berth, meaning Bertolacci will be on the bench for his team's last—and most important—fixture of the season.

Unfortunately, that is exactly where he belongs.