Milan 1 Juventus 2: Milan's Scudetto Hopes Fading Fast

Any hopes that Milan had of winning the Scudetto—or anything for that matter—this season, were dealt a severe blow last night as it was the Old Lady, Juventus, who trumpeted that it is she who is on her way back, not the Rossoneri.

Milan have been poor of late, unconvincing in their wins against Chievo and Napoli and completely humiliated by Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. Things are not going right for Max Allegri’s side.

Playing at home against a Juventus side greatly weakened by the absences of Giorgio Chiellini and their new star man, Milos Krasic, with the intimidating support of the home crowd behind them, much more was expected of a Milan side outspokenly intent on winning the Scudetto.

However, it was Juventus that made a real claim for the Scudetto as Luigi Del Neri’s side put in a professional and brave performance.

In truth, perhaps with some luck things might have turned out differently. In the first half, Zlatan Ibrahimovic had a great shot that deflected off the corner of the goalpost along with two other chances that, on another night, the big Swede would normally have buried. Had Milan, or Ibrahimovic, converted one of these chances in the first half the end result would have been different.

But, ultimately, this all accumulates to nothing but mere speculation. In the end Juventus were deserving winners.

Not only were Milan second best on the night but the match also gave further evidence, as if any were needed, that in midfield and defence Milan simply are not good enough.

In particular, the young Greek Sokratis Papasthapoulous was extremely poor. He looked uncomfortable at the back all night and it was he who was much to blame for Juventus’ first goal, along with Luca Antonini. Having yet put in a good performance since arriving from Genoa, time is running out—if it has not run out already—for the young Greek to prove himself.

Luca Antonini is also an increasing problem for Milan. The left back was great last season, however, his defensive failings have been highlighted a number of times this season and it was his failure to deal with Momo Sissoko’s barraging run that led to Juve’s second.

Despite all his favourable attributes, such as his willingness to run, his commitment and hunger, Kevin Prince looked out of his depth against the Bianconeri. Playing on the left side of midfield alongside Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso, Prince struggled to make an impact.

With Pirlo and Gattuso present in midfield, Milan needs a box-to-box player.  Prince failed to be this player last night as his forays forward were let down by his inability to deliver on his left or at least make room to deliver balls on his right.

Max Allegri is struggling to get things right for Milan, but one can solely put the blame on him. A coach with minimal experience is given the top job at one of the biggest clubs in the world that has an ambition that exceeds the capacity of the current squad, is likely to highlight a shortcoming or two of such a coach.

There are so many issues in defence and midfield that it matters little how strong our attacking trio is.

Ibrahimovic, Pato and Robinho are three world class players, who, playing together have much more potential.  However, and most unfortunately, this potential will remain undermined until the issues behind them are resolved.

For Max Allegri, he should not count on the possibility of Milan signing a player or two in January, though this may be the solution. His time may be up by then.

In fact, if things do not improve when Milan welcomes Real Madrid to the San Siro on Wednesday, Max Allegri’s position may start to look insecure, already.

Indeed, after watching Milan’s performance last night and considering their performance in Spain last week, the prospect of Jose Mourinho returning to the San Siro with his star studded squad will have Milan fans waiting with abated breath with good reason. Allegri included.