Mazzara: Inacio ‘needed’ after Gabbia injury but Amorim must answer formation question
Pietro Mazzara has stressed his concerns that AC Milan and Ruben Amorim have a lot to figure out in the coming weeks.
Milan went into the three-week international break with a 3-0 win against Lecce which suggested the team had turned a corner after a mixed start to the campaign. However, the 1-1 draw against Sassuolo on Sunday night saw some familiar concerns re-emerge.
For starters, it took the Rossoneri 40 minutes to kick into gear after the home side had been on top for most of the first half. Then, after taking the lead through Adrien Rabiot, an equaliser was conceded inside a few minutes as the set-piece Achilles’ heel showed itself again.
Mazzara: Milan ‘lack a clear soul’
In his latest column for MilanNews, Pietro Mazzara took stock of what we know after Sunday’s game and he also looked ahead to the winter window, with Amorim having a decision to make regarding signings.
“The resumption of the season has taught us many things, some of which were often highlighted over the summer and which, duly, have become apparent. Milan has a significant lack of quality, which translates into difficulties interpreting matches and finding solutions to win them,” he said.
“The Sassuolo draw came during a blackout that not even Amorim’s words in the post-match press conference could explain. The break seems to have erased the results seen against Lecce, with Milan displaying technical and qualitative shortcomings that, in the long run, could prove detrimental.
“And already on Thursday, against Salzburg, the match will take on a certain significance for the Europa League campaign. The truth is that, as of today, this team still lacks a clear soul. There are flashes of brilliance, dazzling flashes, but also significant returns to the starting line that make you wonder what this team really is.
“This is no small thing, because on October 12th, being undefeated in the league isn’t enough to be satisfied, especially when you’re playing against a Sassuolo side that’s so lackluster and captivating compared to when they beat Juventus.
“Many things are missing, including the goals and the nastiness of Gonçalo Ramos, who can’t be protected forever. It’s fair to point out that the Portuguese is having a harder time finding balls to shoot at the opposition’s goals.
“This is because the team still lacks the attacking production to allow the number nine to create more opportunities. But he also contributes, roaming the pitch in search of the ball. This empties the penalty area, and in a team that lacks personality in taking shots on goal, the problem becomes more pronounced.
“So what? What do we do? Nothing until January, but the issue of Francesco Camarda’s management is also a topic that needs to be addressed. After his summer renewal, the 2008-born player was publicly touted as the alternative to Ramos, but if he’s given – when he is – so few minutes, how can anyone think he’ll be useful?
“Either they truly believe it, or they made a mistake in the summer in not wanting to sign another striker, with Endrick’s name being thrown around daily at Casa Milan and Milanello and likely to be a hot topic in January.
“But what transfer window January be? A market for a four-man or a three-man system? Gonçalo Inacio will be needed, because the rumours surrounding Gabbia’s left leg flexor injury are dire. But a full-back will also be needed, and, indeed, an attacking player with personality and talent who can raise the bar. Because asking Hutchinson to do that today is asking too much.”
