Amidst the shameful racist comments towards Mike Maignan, Milan achieved a comeback victory.
In 2024 we are still here to tell you about a game suspended for racist insults. In a so-called civilized country. An absolute shame that would not deserve further attention if only we had not seen Cioffi, Udinese’s coach, giving instructions to him while the Milan players left the pitch in protest. Decency, dignity and solidarity should always come before a good outcome.
Returning to the pitch, the match was inevitably influenced by the Maignan episode given that, until the protest, Milan had held the pitch well, facing the excellent Udinese in a convincing manner. Then the blackout, to add to an already very precarious psychological situation of the Rossoneri. Samardzic’s goal, despite being a gem, was avoidable but it was Milan’s entire second half that was worrying. All of Udinese took the lead, putting Pioli’s men in difficulty with quick and effective counterattacks. The goal of the momentary advantage, however, is the result of a mess from “comedians today” of the winner of between Rejinders-Theo, who opened the door to a grateful Thauvin. However, Milan had the merit of always believing in it and, thanks to the substitutes Jovic and Okafor, managed to bring home 3 points in a completely unexpected way.
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For a few games Stefano Pioli has returned to relying on the good old 4-2-3-1, with Loftus as the raider. The system immediately seemed to suit the players, who immediately found themselves at ease with the two point guards Adli-Reijnders. This evening there are fewer positive things compared to the performance against Roma: the only ones who are saved are the new ones and the usual Giroud, always the last to give up. The defensive phase needs to be reviewed: 23 goals scored since the start of the championship there are really too many for those who aspire to win championships.
Udinese seen today against Milan is certainly a team that has technical values far from those fighting not to be relegated. Cioffi now clearly has the team in hand and tonight’s tactical plan was almost perfect: let Milan vent by closing well behind and trying quick verticalisations to look for the wingers. Up until the 83rd minute, practically everyone did well, from Lovric to Perez, who was always very careful in defence. What caught the eye, however, was Samardzìc’s play, which made us understand why he is the object of desire of the most important Italian clubs. Then, thanks to the vehemence of the Rossoneri, the decline in the last 10 minutes, which cost 3 points which they would have been pure oxygen for the Juventus rankings.
Instead of talking about “den free everyone”, Stefano Pioli should think about finishing the season in a dignified manner. Perhaps comforted by the 4 victories in the last 5, the Rossoneri coach had already seemed very confident in himself and his team in the press conference, probably underestimating the commitment. In an undoubtedly guilty manner, given that, in the first round, the Friulians had left San Siro with 3 points. His reaction to the disadvantage was exemplary but Milan really seems to be an emotionally fragile team to hope to be able to give a final joy to their fans.