“Where the problems arise” – Vitiello reveals the ‘truth’ that Milan’s derby win exposed
Antonio Vitiello believes that the derby win over Inter offered one very clear lesson regarding AC Milan’s current status.
The mood around Milan has been buoyed by a fourth straight victory against the city rivals, one that was very much needed after the 4-2 loss to Bologna on Wednesday night that featured a second-half collapse.
Three goals in the first half from Christian Pulisic, Adrien Rabiot and Diego Moreira demonstrated the potential of this team when everyone is healthy. However, the issue has been when Ruben Amorim has not had all his key men out there.
‘Where the problems arise’
Vitiello published his weekly column for MilanNews and he chose to focus on the major takeaway from the derby, which was the display of the potential of this team, in contrast to the limitations shown a few nights prior against Bologna.
“The tradition continues. AC Milan have dominated recent derbies and confirmed this in their recent 3-1 victory over the Nerazzurri, demonstrating their much better management of the Milanese derby,” he began.
“The atmosphere is galvanised by the victory, and the San Siro match revealed an unquestionable verdict. When Milan field their first team, it’s a completely different story. The Rossoneri with their best players are truly fearsome.
“When Moreira, Rabiot, Modric, Pulisic, Maignan, and company play together, the other teams have to worry. However, this isn’t always possible due to a tight schedule that forces coaches to change line-ups when there are games every three days.
“It’s literally impossible to consistently field the same team, also to avoid injuries. But that’s where the problems arise. In the long run, the teams with deeper squads, those who don’t suffer too many fluctuations when switching from starters to second string players, prevail. And the derby reaffirmed this truth.
“So, to be truly competitive, the team must improve in the next two transfer windows. First in January, with at least a couple of valuable additions, even spending significant sums. And then next summer, with the second batch of strong players. The next moves are already planned.
“Milan will soon announce their new manager, Markus Krosche, who will oversee the transfer market and in January will focus on a central defender, while also evaluating a winger and a striker. Three players to raise the bar after the summer transfer window ended with some shortcomings. An incomplete transfer window to compete on three fronts simultaneously.
“But this time Gerry Cardinale has chosen to take a risk. He said so himself in a recent interview with ClassCNBC. ‘The decision to finish in the red this summer was my own, made the day after we were eliminated from the Champions League. Looking at how things had gone over the last four years, I realized it was time for a real change,’ said Gerry Cardinale.
“Compared to previous years, when the club prioritized a profitable budget, this time the decision was to finish in the red. The summer expenses, and those expected in the January transfer window, will lead the club to invest in players to strengthen the squad.
“The goal is to return to the Champions League after two years of absence. And there’s no room for error.”
