Pregame Expectation

Opening day fixtures are a complete lottery which can defy logic, form and star quality. Hopefully Milan’s lacklustre preseason displays will not enter the fray at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. Bologna, a team eternally graced with the fighting spirit of the late, great Siniša Mihajlović are not the friendliest Serie A week one opposition. The Rossoneri are favourably favourites on paper, however we have no idea which Milan will turnup from recent memory: bad, ugly or Pioli? The sans Paolo Maldini, Ricky Massara and Zlatan Ibrahimović era is under way. The pressure is squarely on the establishment thanks to the disrespectful mishandling of club and football DNA and the numerous parting gifts of Sandro Tonali. Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Tijjani Reijnders and Christian Pulisic are odds on to debut from the first minute with Samuel Chukwueze, Luka Romero and Noah Okafor expected to feature in the second half.

Postgame Evaluation

The rapid start by Bologna initially halted the Rossoneri’s superiority and on another day a clinical Bologna in the final phase would have challenged Milan for the points. Rafael Leão is no longer plan a, b and c. The potential and ability up top has put the league on notice. Any combination in the final third could be devastatingly delightful to witness and frighteningly impossible to contain. The Rossoneri could and should have killed the contest in the first half instead the old Milan came to the party for allowing the opposition to linger with the possibility of next goal shifts the momentum and possibly the match. Christian Pulisic is on a mission for redemption and Tijjani Reijnders could be the missing piece in the middle of the field and the find of the season.

Pregame Expectation

A sold-out Stadio Giuseppe Meazza will be expecting maximum points and a performance befitting the obvious billing of odds-on favourites. Torino traditionally thrive on the underdog status and will be out to prove they’re no pushovers by stifling Milan’s newly formed attack party in order to launch their own counter strikes to usurp the midfield and unsettle the back four. No changes are expected to the starting lineup however Yunus Musah and Luka Romero will be raring to accumulate minutes on the field and show their worth.

Postgame Evaluation

Evidently with each passing game, Christian Pulisic is showcasing why he was made for Milan. The oppositions penalty box is possibly Olivier Giroud’s personal Christmas tree and potentially every fixture could playout like Christmas morning. Health and durability could allow Giroud to surpass his personal best seasonal goal scoring tally. Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Tijjani Reijnders, Yunus Musah and Ismaël Bennacer could be the backbone of a great midfield for today and tomorrow.

Pregame Expectation

Stadio Olimpico will provide a thumping atmosphere mixed with visual splendour in the strands in aid to kickstart Roma’s season thanks to a somewhat dismal outing against unfavoured opponents. The Giallorossi simply cannot afford to fall any further behind this early into the season. Milan are likely to name an unchanged starting lineup for the third game in a row. Roma will be hoping Paulo Dybala manages to somehow pass a last-minute fitness test and Romelu Lukaku could make his debut to face the red side of Milan. I expect a close, cagey game however anything can and usually does occur when these two share the field. We could have literal fireworks and not just in the stands.

Postgame Evaluation

Milan obtained the points without much fuss and Fikayo Tomori who gifted the opposition with the door of opportunity to fight back on the night. The Rossoneri performed admirably without Tomori who really needs to cutout the recent trend of overcommitting and rash decision making. It wouldn’t be irresponsible to state the fact Milan were better after the dismissal. Did people forget Rafael Leão was still wearing the red and black of Milan? It won’t be long before Ruben Loftus-Cheek is back on the international scene. Ruben is surprising everyone but himself.

Pregame Expectation

Stadio Giuseppe Meazza will be graced with the most anticipated and potentially most competitive Derby della Madonnina in recent memory. Both Milanese teams are firing on all cylinders with three wins on the bounce. The Rossoneri have an unflattering and frankly embarrassing recent history with Internazionale. Thankfully the red half have recruited extremely diligently in the offseason to bolster the squad with strength, depth and increasing quality to narrow and potentially surpass the gulf in quality the blue half has enjoyed for an umpteenth period of time.

One enforced change for Milan, Simon Kjær will deputise for the injured Pierre Kalulu who in turn was set to replace the suspended Fikayo Tomori. The ill-timed international break will ensure a lottery in term of selecting a winner. The thousands of miles in-between the fixture could net a goalless draw, a close-knit affair or an unforeseen blow out. The team who adapts to the pressure of the moments will be odds on for the three points.

Postgame Evaluation

Internazionale masterfully demolished an abject Rossoneri and created history with a fifth successive Derby della Madonnina win. Milan clearly has an indisposition to the blue neighbours on the field and in the dugout. The red and black were one-dimensional, timid and as flat as Stefano Pioli’s tactical endeavours. The establishment obviously needs time and opportunity for the squad to gel and grow but is Stefano Pioli the right coach to take Milan to the next level? Going forward collectively, Milan will have to right the wrongs to ensure Derby della Madonnina scars are visibly and mentally left in the past.

Pregame Expectation

A distraction from the Derby della Madonnina capitulation couldn’t come soon enough for a side torn to shreds on the night. A positive reaction is a must however Newcastle will provide a unique set of challenges with a Milanista on-hand. Sandro Tonali will come face to face with the parting gifts his transfer manifested. Fikayo Tomori is expected to start along with Samuel Chukwueze and Yunus Musah. The Rossoneri have to maximise the initiative, defend cohesively across the board and mustn’t allow the visitors to control the tempo.

Postgame Evaluation

A positive reaction graced the field but without the goals and the points. Milan will wonder to wonder how the three points eluded them with the number of clearcut opportunities in the final third against an opposition clearly suffering from continental stage freight. The two points dropped at home could be the difference in the bid to qualify for the next round.

Pregame Expectation

Milan will pay tribute to the late Giovanni Lodetti, a midfielder who won it all with the red and black. The Rossoneri fandom will he hoping for the midweek performance to carry over with the addition of composure in the final third. Points are mandatory at home against Hellas Verona and premium for keeping in touch with the boisterous blue neighbours. Stefano Pioloi is under pressure to unlock a winning formula to ignite Milan on the field and a change in shape and formation is rumoured with Alessandro Florenzi and Yunus Musah set to start as wingbacks in conjunction with a back three and Marco Sportiello in goal for the injured Mike Maignan.

Postgame Evaluation

Unfortunately, the Milan v Hellas Verona fixture was not televised in the United Kingdom thanks to an outdated law implemented to encourage local stadium attendance across the nation. I will watch highlights and read match reports before evaluating. Davide Bartesaghi made his senior debut coming on to relieve Théo Hernandez in the 84th minute. The Rossoneri seem to be gun-shy in the final third and lackadaisical with regards to killing off the opposition, this has to be corrected for Milan to succeed for the long-term.

Pregame Expectation

Two consecutive clean sheets are a welcome sight however the lack of firepower in the final third is a cause for concern. Injuries and fatigue are mounting up therefore rotation is anticipated. Alessandro Florenzi, Yunus Musah and Yacine Aldi are favoured to start along with Christian Pulisic, Noah Okafor and Samuel Chukwueze. If required, Rafael Leão and Olivier Giroud will be on hand to make an appearance off the bench. Marco Sportiello will continue to deputise for the injured Mike Maignan.

Postgame Evaluation

Redemption for Yacine Aldi, deployed in an unfamiliar Andrea Pirlo role. Pacience, determination and hard work in the background can be a fruitful endeavour. Milan carved out more chances in the first half compared to the previous 180+ minutes on the field. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is on a personal mission to bulldoze back in the International Arena. The imposing box to box midfielder is finding his feet and adapting to Calcio like a knife through Mozzarella. The powers that be must continue to have faith in Davide Bartesaghi, the red and black do not need to import another fullback. Samuel Chukwueze, can you please attempt to dribble past your man instead of cutting-in repeatedly on-tap? The ability to beat your man on the outside is priceless. Just ask Rafael Leão.

Pregame Expectation

A stuttering Le Aquile will provide a timely test post Derby della Madonnina blues. The Rossoneri are expected to revert back to the trident of Rafael Leão, Christian Pulisic and Olivier Giroud to provide ammunition in the final third. Mike Maignan is hopeful of safeguarding the back line. Yacine Adli will be rewarded with a third appearance on the bounce deputising for the injured Rade Krunić. Simon Kjær could provide respite for Malick Thiaw at centre-back. 

Postgame Evaluation

A confident performance against a dangerous opponent and potential Serie A rival will help build confidence for the upcoming challenges both home and abroad. Yunus Musah was very impressive from the moment he replaced the inform Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the 29th minute. Rafael Leão is playing with total freedom and without the burden of seasons past. The new signings have played a part to unshackle the pressure off the shoulders of Milan’s phenomenon. Moments of so-called sulking and negative body language are self-reflection and nothing more. Too much is published by penpushers and members of the fandom who’ve probably never graced a competitive field or arena. Self-reflection, good, bad or ugly is human nature.

Pregame Expectation

Points are the prime directive, three would be amazing and under normal circumstances a draw in Germany would be acceptable however the dropped points in the opening game has created a pressure vacuum. The Rossoneri have been drawn into a very challenging group with every single game crucial for second round qualification. Milan are expected to start the first team line-up with slight rotation in midfield. The impressive Yacine Adli needs a break therefore Yunus Musah and Tommaso Pobega are set to join Tijjani Reijnders in midfield. The red and black mustn’t underestimate Borussia Dortmund’s reputation and competitiveness on the field.

Postgame Evaluation

How this game remained goalless is a mystery, a boon for a case study. The two points thrown-away in Dortmund may well come back to haunt Milan who for the second Champions League game in a row failed to capitalise on the plentiful opportunities on the field. Lessons have to be learned and quicky, the continental stage is unapologetic and waits for nobody.

Pregame Expectation

Squad rotation is anticipated with the visit to Genoa on the back of the midweek trip to Germany. Local and national reports are indicating a new tandem in attack with Samuel Chukwueze, Luka Jovic and Noah Okafor. Alessandro Florenzi will deputise for Davide Calabria. The usual suspects will be on the bench, if needs must. The Rossoneri must be prepared and ready to battle mentally and physically, the Il Grifone are prime trap game material with Alberto Gilardino at the helm.

Postgame Evaluation

90’+14′ minutes, Halloween came early in Genoa. A combination of a wasteful Milan with Olivier Giroud in a green jersey and gloves somehow secured the three points. Apparently the calcio scriptures do have a sense of humour. Milan played with fire by not taking the chances to ice the game until Giroud stepped in to deputise for Mike Maignan. The latter was sent off for a dangerously wild tackle in the 90’+9′ minute of injury time. Giroud came alive late on to hold his nerve by rushing out successfully to knock the ball away from the opposition player bearing towards the penalty box and for being alert enough to recover the loose ball.

Pregame Expectation

The curse of the international break continues with Antonio Mirante deputising in-between the sticks, Samuel Chukwueze nursing a hamstring injury and Alessandro Florenzi as emergency left back due to Théo Hernandez’s latest suspension thanks to a totality of infuriatingly mind-bending yellow card infringements. Blatant arguments with officials and the opposition are not worth the trouble, the management needs to address the long-running issue with the player. Opportunities will be premium against the old lady and for that reason Milan will have to be clinical in the final third to unshackle a stingy defence. Juventus are likely to have both Federico Chiesa and Dusan Vlahovic available from the bench. 

Postgame Evaluation

Milan collectively were as flat as Sefano Pioli’s tactical endeavours or as some would shout from the rooftops as lack thereof. Malick Thiaw, what were you thinking? Tactically, I believe both teams were playing under the mantle of do not lose because both teams were awful from top to bottom and fittingly the winning goal was as ugly as the football conducted on and off the field.

Pregame Expectation

On paper Milan face an uphill task in Paris however football is played on the field and any given gameday can be a lottery with PSG’s dismal outing against Newcastle a prime example. The Rossoneri will have to exude patience with and without possession and disciplined across the formation and the transitions. Mike Maignan, Théo Hernandez and Rade Krunić will start for the red and black.

Postgame Evaluation

Men against boys and not just on the sidelines. A painful night for Milanisti around the world and we have the return leg to look forward to, not. Nothing went right or worked for the red and black as PSG easily outplayed and outmanaged the away team on every level. On-field discipline is another ongoing concern, can we not succumb to silly yellow card offences entirely let alone in the very first minutes.

Pregame Expectation

Why does Sefano Pioli’s Milan routinely struggle and immensely, immediately after the international break? Goal scoring and composure in the final third is fast becoming a prolonged epidemic along with nauseatingly avoidable yellow card infringements. Depending on which Sefano Pioli and or Milan turns up, we could be in for a dull draw or a high scoring showpiece for Calcio and Serie A. Luka Romero is due a run out or three, but does he have the head coaches trust? Luka has the vision, creativity and the flair to help unlock a stagnant, one-dimensional Milan.

Postgame Evaluation

Injuries and more injuries. In the end the matchup at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona somehow ended-up a draw but you’d hardly call it dull on any playing field. Milan can and should have sealed the match before halftime. A shellshocked Napoli were ripe for a killing however as per norm the Rossoneri failed to capitalise on the rip-roaring ascendancy and momentum. Once again, we witnessed Sefano Pioli’s head scratching in-game management with untimely usage of substitutes and tactical adjustments. Davide Calabria, why didn’t you aim the potential last second, game winning goal-line header towards the far-post?

Pregame Expectation

A struggling Udinese who’ve failed to notch a league win all-season at home will provide a swift opportunity for Milan to right the recent wrongs and kickstart the season ahead. The Rossoneri will be forced to rotate in-light of injuries, fatigue and fixture congestion. A surprise or two is rumoured with regards to the starting line-up and a sellout crowd will unquestionably be expectant of points and performance.

Postgame Evaluation

Please come back Paolo Maldini. Milan = pass to Rafael Leão and hope for the best. A bewildering change of formation did nothing but hinder the players on the field. Individually and collectively the Rossoneri looked lost and played scared. Harsh or fair, the fandom and media will castigate the team and the coaching staff akin to walk the plank or last meal scenarios. In my opinion the performance against Juventus was poorer on so many levels.

Pregame Expectation

The pressure for three points is beyond boiling due to the excruciatingly subpar form in recent weeks. Stefano Pioli could be on the cusp if we witness a repeat of the embarrassing display in Paris. Tijjani Reijnders must work on his composure in and around the penalty box, how many chances do you need? Tijjani should be the first to admit, he’s personally left points on the field with pivotal miscues in the final third. Théo Hernandez and Ruben Loftus-Cheek will be hoping to jolt Milan back to life. Where art thou Zlatan Ibrahimović?

Postgame Evaluation

Stefano Pioli and his cohorts responded to an ocean of critics in best plausible fashion with a truly remarkable performance to claim the three points and open up the group for endless possibilities including the probability of Milan toping the table. If you supply Olivier Giroud with opportunities, great things can happen akin to poetry in the penalty box. The subpar experience in the reverse fixture in Paris proved to be a rallying call on the day and hopefully a catalyst to turnaround the season ahead.

Pregame Expectation

Consistency is a skill to be had. Stefano Pioli and his charges were charged-up for a monumental fight midweek against PSG, however can you do the same away to Lecce? The archaic law has struck again, I cannot watch live transmission in the United Kingdom entirely thanks to a frankly ridiculous law the English FA stubbornly fails to abolish. I will have to rely on televised replay, highlights and social platforms to report back in kind. Milan are expected to rotate slightly for the must win trip to Lecce. The Rossoneri mustn’t fall any further behind the race for the scudetto.

Postgame Evaluation

Shambles. Throwing away a two-game lead anywhere is inexcusable. In truth Milan were lucky to walk away from Stadio Via del mare with a solitary point. The nightmare right after a prestigious victory continues for Stefano Pioli and the like. The head scratching, nonsensical in-game management of Stefano Pioli was on full display with untimely substitutions and tactical blunders with positional deployment.

Pregame Expectation

A truly must win for Milan in the midst of a litany of injuries at play and as a result, 15-year-old goalscoring sensation Francesco Camarda has been called up for the first-team squad. Calcio and club history could be made if Francesco features against Fiorentina. Luka Jović, Christian Pulisic and Samuel Chukwueze will spearhead the attack in the absence of the demon core of Rafael Leão, Olivier Giroud and the last-minute injury to Noah Okafor.

Postgame Evaluation

Mike Maignan is world class. How and why was Mike deputy for France? Samuel Chukwueze needs to do better with his first touch, distribution and taking on his man. Cutting in repeatedly is one-dimensional, telegraphed and tiresome to stomach on-tap. Samuel, please be more direct and use your pace. History was made, Francesco Camarda became the youngest debutant in Serie A, replacing Luka Jović late on. Francesco Camarda, a Milanista and the future.

Pregame Expectation

Group F is a lottery whereby Milan could finish anywhere from top to bottom. For the most part, three points will secure knockout continental football for the Rossoneri. The outlier could be matchdays on Tuesday/Wednesday or Thursday. Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Olivier Giroud will be back to bolster the midfield and attacking departments. The pressure is squarely on Christian Pulisic and Samuel Chukwueze to step-up in Rafael Leão’s absence and create opportunities for the ageless marvel.

Postgame Evaluation

Shambolic. Poor man-marking, poor goalkeeping and poor in-game management from the sideline. I believe the game was lost the very moment Stefano Pioli deployed Rade Krunic to replace the injured Malick Thiaw at the cost of Alessandro Florenzi. (More Coming Soon).

Pregame Expectation

On the back of the midweek continental carnage, anything less than three points at home against Frosinone could be the last stand for Stefano Pioli. A shuffle in the back is expected with Davide Bartesaghi or Jan-Carlo Simic set to replace the injured Malick Thiaw. Luka Jovic will once again deputise for the suspended Olivier Giroud and long-term absentee, Ismaël Bennacer will be available from the bench. Time is of the essence; a performance is a must, and three points are a necessity.

Postgame Evaluation

Coming Soon.

Evaluation