AC Milan vs Catania: Questionable Moves by Allegri Don't Help Milan

Looking at the lineup before AC Milan's match against Catania today, I had to raise an eyebrow.

Pippo Inzaghi starting over Robinho?

Granted, I know Robinho has not been a standout in his first two matches with Milan, but he may have been a better option as Inzaghi missed a couple of crucial chances, despite netting the lone goal on the stroke of halftime in Milan's 1-1 draw with Catania Calcio.

Manager Massimiliano Allegri was left in a tough spot by injuries to Massimo Ambrosini and Alexandre Pato in the victory over Auxerre at the midweek which knocked both players out for three weeks. With Mathieu Flamini also unavailable, Allegri had a very shallow bench for the match today.

If it makes any sense, the only forward on the bench today was Nnamdi Oduamadi. Robinho did not even make the bench.

Whatever Allegri's thinking, leaving Robinho in the stands was a bad idea. The attack had very little life.

Ronaldinho and Zlatan Ibrahimovic again did everything they could to get all three points for Milan, but their efforts were met by limited success.

The one moment of greatness was Ronaldinho's play into the box which found Inzaghi, who beat the offsides trap and slid in the easy goal with seconds left until the half.

In the end, that still did not make up for the missed opportunity early on.

With only about 15 minutes gone, Milan had the perfect chance as the ball fell to Inzaghi on a silver platter, but he rushed his chance and the ball flew off his shin about three yards from the net, and into the stands for a goal kick.

It was one of many poor efforts by Inzaghi, who was all but invisible most of the game.

The Catania goal came in the 27th minute on a laser volley from fullback Ciro Capuano that was unstoppable for Christian Abbiati.

Today's performance was better overall than the performance against Cesena, but Andrea Pirlo lacked form at times and overall was poor today. Kevin-Prince Boateng was overall solid making his first start for AC Milan. With Ambrosini out, he will be even more important to Milan these next three weeks.

Milan will be facing Lazio, Genoa, and Ajax Amsterdam in their next three matches. These will undoubtedly be the strongest teams they have played thus far.

Allegri's decision to start Inzaghi baffles me. He is a substitute. At 37, that is about the most we can rely on Inzaghi for. Do not get me wrong, I love Filippo Inzaghi, but I am also a realist.

When your choice for the second winger is either Inzaghi, Robinho, or Odu and you start Inzaghi, bench Odu, and do not dress Robinho, where is the logic? It should have been Odu watching the match with Pato up on the player's perch. Inzaghi could have been more useful today as a late sub.

We need to be real for a minute. It was not a bad bounce or a bad ball, Inzaghi messed up and forgot that his shin was not his foot.

These next three weeks will test Milan. They need to play their strongest squad every match and they need to help the attack. Ronaldinho and Ibrahimovic are working hard up on the attack, but are getting very little help, especially now with Pato out.

When Flamini comes back, the ideal midfield for me would include the Frenchman, Pirlo, and Boateng. Seedorf and Abate could be useful off the bench, but not Gattuso. His form has been atrocious. Now may be a good time to bring Alexander Merkel or Rodney Strasser into the side as a substitute.

I liked the defense today. Bonera, Silva, Nesta, and Antonini is a good combo based on what we have. I think another fullback in the winter market would be helpful. The same can be said about a center mid.

As for the attack, obviously Ibrahimovic and Ronaldinho belong up there. They both were great today and nearly got the team in front, but with Pato out, Robinho needs to join them.

You cannot rely on Pippo Inzaghi as a consistent starter, if a starter at all. He is a late match specialist at this point. The guy who can give you fresh legs late on and get you the goal. Odu is young and talented, but not ready for first team action ahead of the five main strikers. He should still be sixth on the pecking order.

Robinho's never going to get back to being himself if he does not get on the field. Especially with the money Milan spent on him, he should be out there. He wants to help this team win and should be given the opportunity.

What was Allegri's thinking today? Personally, I have no idea. That being said, I think he learned a lesson today.