AC Milan 3, Chievo 1: Concerns Abound Despite Win

The result looks impressive and indeed some parts of Milan’s performance against Chievo were impressive. However, the result does not reflect the whole story.

Milan gave far too much away against Chievo that against better sides will not go unpunished.

Fortunately there is enough class in the current Milan squad, thanks to the additions of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho, that even when not totally convincing the side can still manage to get the goals needed to get the points. In the end, there is what matters most after all.

But how Chievo matched Milan in the opening exchanges, even dominating at times, is a reason to be concerned. Sure, the Flying Donkeys may be flying high at fifth position in the table, but they still are not a strong side.

Moreover, the space given to the visitors, particularly to Kevin Constant on the left for Chievo, is something that simply cannot be allowed against better opposition.  The marking at the back for Milan was particularly poor; however, the defence cannot be solely blamed for this.

It is the job of the midfielders, including Ronaldinho, to also help in out in defence but this did not occur. The reason for this is firstly, laziness. The second reason, as the match wore on, is the lack of physical ability in the team.

The team, in both midfield and defence, is just far too old and it showed greatly against Chievo. One suspects that with Real Madrid only days away, perhaps the reason was because many of the players were saving themselves.

But, this is still not good enough. On another day, the result against Chievo could have been very different. This was a match that Milan needed to win, to claim top spot and push their credentials as title contenders. Yet, the team’s display did not seem to reflect this.

Not only defensively did Milan give too much away, but in attack the lack of options for Milan’s attackers were at times disbelieving.

Gianluca Zambrotta, on more than one occasion, completely failed to provide an option down the right wing and the movement of the team in general when in possession and with a chance to counter attack, was also rather disbelieving.

Much improvement is still to be made by Max Allegri’s side. But, such improvement really can only from of younger and hungrier legs being added to the squad. Gianluca Zambrotta and Clarence Seedorf need to be replaced sooner rather than later.

Gennaro Gattuso is another one. However, the Calabrese has shown some better form in recent weeks and against Chievo he continued to do so. This season, Rino seems rejuvenated under the guidance of Allegri.

Nonetheless, despite the obvious concerns expressed here, the important thing was that Milan got all three points.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic continued to justify why Milan lured him back to the San Siro, with one world class assist to Pato for the opener and with a most intelligent assist for Pato and Milan’s second.

Ronaldinho showed some good touches in the middle of park despite not being the influential trequartista that Milan needs.

The star for Milan on the night has to be the young Brazilian, Pato. An absolutely clinical finisher, if he can stay fit this season than this will greatly increase Milan’s chances for silverware.

But, if Pato fails to stay fit this season, then at least there is Robinho for Allegri to call on.  Robinho has failed to replicate his international form with his club sides in the past, however, following his first goal for his club against Chievo, Milan fans will be hoping for much of the same in the future.

Two other performers that are worthy of recognition for Milan are Alessandro Nesta and Luca Antonini. Perhaps not sound defensively, Antonini displayed good commitment down the left flank, always pushing up to join the attack whenever the opportunity presented itself. As always, Nesta was the reassuring and calming influence at the back for Milan.

Milan fans can enjoy, at least for a few more hours, the pleasure of being at the top of the Serie A charts. It has not been an easy start to the season for Milan, but with a little bit of luck along with the class of Milan’s attackers, Allegri’s side has kept in touch with the league’s high fliers.