Milan’s season, as soon as stuffed with promise, has taken a worrying flip in current days. The harm to Christian Pulisic has already left a major void in Massimiliano Allegri’s facet, however now, one other concern has deepened the disaster — Santiago Gimenez’s alarming unfavourable file, which threatens to undo the group’s early momentum. What was as soon as a title-challenging squad now looks like one desperately making an attempt to carry itself collectively.
Regardless of extending their unbeaten Serie A run to eight video games, Milan’s current performances have uncovered deep structural weaknesses. The attracts in opposition to Pisa and Atalanta—each of which felt extra like defeats—have painted a clearer image of a facet lacking its rhythm and confidence.
In response to Corriere dello Sport, “it’s no coincidence that Milan’s least constructive performances of the season have come within the final three rounds, the place they’ve collected 5 factors however struggled in each sport.”
The explanation? Accidents and a dangerously skinny squad. Allegri’s summer time determination to work with a smaller group, justified by the dearth of European competitors, has now backfired. With key gamers like Pulisic, Adrien Rabiot, and Estupinan sidelined, the squad’s depth has been stretched to breaking level. “With out Pulisic and Rabiot,” writes Corriere dello Sport, “Milan have turn out to be an bizarre group.”
That decline is seen throughout the pitch — fewer probabilities created, fewer substitutions made, and a visual drop in depth. Even the normally vibrant Rafael Leao has been pressured to hold a heavy artistic load, with the absence of his American teammate clearly felt.
Allegri’s gamble and the small squad worth
In the summertime, Allegri’s plan appeared sound: a smaller, extra manageable squad meant larger cohesion and management. However soccer not often follows neat plans. A disastrous October worldwide break left him with out six key outfield gamers directly. Since then, Milan has lacked each spark and stability.
The issue isn’t simply bodily; it’s psychological. With out Pulisic, the facet has misplaced its hyperlink between midfield and assault. And now, the main target has turned to the person introduced in to ship objectives — Santiago Gimenez — who finds himself beneath intense scrutiny.
Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan seems to be on
The file that haunts Santiago Gimenez
That is the place the thriller deepens. Regardless of common begins, Santiago Gimenez has failed to attain a single Serie A aim this season, going 627 minutes—over ten hours of soccer—with out discovering the online. For a striker, that’s an eternity.
La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests, “he has entered a tunnel over the previous few matches, and the extra he runs, the deeper he digs himself.” Signed for $33 million from Feyenoord final January, the Mexican striker arrived with a file of 65 objectives in 105 appearances within the Eredivisie. The Rossoneri had hoped he would convey that very same firepower to San Siro. As an alternative, they’ve been left ready — and now, doubting.
Sangiago Gimenez’s stats in comparison with different attackers in Europe
What’s extra, Calciomercato summed it up bluntly: “He by no means scores.” With eight video games left earlier than the winter break, together with the Italian Tremendous Cup ultimate, the Mexican’s future could possibly be determined in weeks. His contract runs till 2029, however endurance at San Siro just isn’t infinite. If objectives don’t arrive quickly, Allegri might don’t have any selection however to make a change up entrance.
The membership’s hierarchy is reportedly reconsidering its stance. If the drought continues, the 24-year-old might face an early exit in January, with the membership already scouting potential replacements like Artem Dovbyk, Joaquin Panichelli, and Jonathan Burkardt.
