The Unceremonious Kick-off to the Season
The football faithful in Milan had eagerly awaited the new season, particularly with the return of Massimiliano Allegri, a figure synonymous with past successes and, more recently, a pragmatic, often gritty, approach to the beautiful game. Allegri, ever the wry observer, had joked on the eve of his re-debut, “It`s been a year since I sat on the bench, I hope I don`t cause too much damage.” Little did he, or the Rossoneri faithful, know how quickly that sentiment would swing from lighthearted banter to a grim premonition.
AC Milan’s opening Serie A fixture against newly promoted Cremonese at home was meant to be a celebratory affair, a confident stride into a season free from the distractions of European competition – an alleged advantage. Instead, it delivered an uninspiring 2-0 defeat, laying bare a series of issues that have plagued the club, and arguably, Allegri`s teams, in recent memory. The loss wasn`t merely a stumble; it was a loud, clear signal that the underlying problems from the previous campaign hadn`t magically vanished with the change in coaching staff.
Allegri`s Candid Diagnosis: A Crisis of Perception and “Nastiness”
Post-match, Allegri didn`t mince words. His analysis cut directly to the core of the problem, pointing out two glaring deficiencies:
- Inability to Break Down Defenses: A recurring theme was the team`s struggle to dismantle compact, organized opponents. This suggests a lack of creative impetus or tactical flexibility when faced with a low block.
- A Defensively Fragile Setup: Perhaps more concerning were the defensive lapses. Allegri described the defensive phase as “friabile come una fetta biscottata” – *crumbly like a rusk*. Not exactly the sturdy foundation one expects from a top-tier Italian side.
The coach was quick to acknowledge his overarching responsibility for these collective shortcomings. Yet, he also highlighted individual blunders that compounded the team`s woes. Names like Pavlovic, Estupinan, Fofana, and Gimenez were cited for specific errors, from miskicking clearances to missing easy chances or failing to shield the ball. While Allegri initially softened the individual criticism by calling it a “general issue,” the underlying sentiment was clear: a lack of fundamental quality and situational awareness was costing them dearly.
“We conceded two goals that with more attention and nastiness would have been avoidable. We need to improve in perceiving danger, because we don`t perceive it: in the box, five against three, the opponent cannot jump alone.”
This phrase, “We don`t perceive danger,” has a certain ring of familiarity for those who followed Allegri`s previous tenures. It speaks to a fundamental breakdown in defensive instinct and awareness – a core tenet of Italian football that seems to be missing from his current squad. When a coach observes that his players fail to recognize obvious threats, it suggests a profound challenge in tactical discipline and mental fortitude.
The Call for “Dirty” Football: A Pragmatic Turn?
Allegri’s prescription for recovery involves a significant shift in mentality. “The difference is made by the nastiness with which you attack and, above all, with which you defend,” he asserted. Furthermore, he emphasized the necessity to “be prepared to play dirty matches.” This isn`t a call for foul play, but rather for a more pragmatic, gritty, and perhaps less aesthetically pleasing approach to secure results. In Italian football, “dirty” often translates to cunning, resilient, and unapologetically effective. It’s about winning the physical battles, breaking up play, and doing whatever it takes to prevent goals, even if it means sacrificing some of the fluid, attacking football fans often crave.
The irony is palpable. Milan, a club historically associated with elegance and tactical sophistication, is now being urged by its esteemed coach to embrace a less glamorous, more fundamental style of play. It`s a stark acknowledgment that idealism might be a luxury this squad cannot afford, at least not yet.
The Road Ahead: High Stakes, Urgent Reforms
With a full season still ahead, Allegri maintains an air of calm, reminding everyone that it`s only the first match. However, the expectations for AC Milan remain high. Without European commitments, many saw this as an opportune year for a strong domestic challenge. The early setback against Cremonese casts a long shadow, prompting uncomfortable questions about the squad`s collective quality and the effectiveness of preseason preparations.
The challenge for Allegri and his team is immense. They must not only rectify the glaring defensive vulnerabilities but also instill a renewed sense of urgency, tactical awareness, and that elusive “perception of danger.” The coming weeks will be crucial as AC Milan seeks to shed the “crumbly rusk” moniker and demonstrate the “nastiness” required to compete at the top of Serie A. The path to redemption, it seems, will be anything but clean.
Gilbert Pendleton