Our series of 2015-16 progress reports continues with an examination of the stuttering Serie A giants AC Milan.
What has Gone Right?
Renewed optimism between the sticks. Reports of Mihajlovic thrusting the gloves upon 16-year-old Gianluigi Donnarumma not too long ago were met with severe apprehensio and disbelief that he would choose such a young player over Diego Lopez, no matter how much the veteran had struggled. The giant teenager, however, has proven his critics wrong already, keeping two clean sheets in four games. He is saving the blushes of the Rossoneri defenders, who have struggled to contain teams at the front all season. This was exemplified again in the latest Serie A match before the break, as Atalanta barreled through the defence on several occasions. Were it not for the superb reactions from Donnarumma, the opposition may have planted a few goals in.
Carlos Bacca has also started the season rather well, with a tally of six goals and one assist so far. If the midfield can improve, then expect Bacca to have a healthy tally towards the end of the season.
What has Gone Wrong?
At the start of the season, it would have been easier to say what has not gone wrong for the Rossoneri? The team has struggled as a whole, the midfield is not coming together as smoothly as Mihajlovic would have wanted and the defenders have been woefully inept at containing attackers.
Mario Balotelli, who returned with much hype that this was his turnaround season, has only featured in four games, with one goal to his name and now most likely out of action until Mid-January after reports he will need to undergo groin surgery. Luiz Adriano has made seven appearances so far and has only two goals to his name. The lack of firepower coming from the forwards has been a problem.
Best Player So Far – Giacomo Bonaventura and Gianluigi Donnarumma
Before Mihajlovic appointed Donnarumma as the new first choice goalkeeper, Giacomo Bonaventura would be the candidate for the best player so far this season. While the team has struggled as a whole, the 26-year-old has still proved to be best on field. He has five assists so far and his connection with the forwards contributes to a large chunk of the goals.
However, since Donnarumma has entered the fray, he is surely the best on field. Stunning everyone with his quick reflexes and acrobatic, desperado saves, the 16-year-old wonder has kept two clean sheets over four games. It is still too early to tell if this is a fluky start for the youngster, or if he will be the real deal, so far now Rossoneri fans should just enjoy the show he is putting on.
Gianluigi Donnarumma in Serie A this season:
4 games
11 saves
2 clean sheets
0 lossesHe's just 16-years old! pic.twitter.com/RbPQLholI6
— Football__Tweet (@Football__Tweet) November 9, 2015
What is Next?
AC Milan take on Juventus following the International Break, who are one spot below the Rossoneri in sixth place, on 18 points. In the lead up to Christmas they then face 10th placed Sampdoria and then teams who are all sitting at the bottom of the ladder – Carpi (20th), Verona (19th), and Frosinone (18th). Milan should, at the very least, be able to gain 10 points out of the latter four games.
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The aim will be for a top four finish, which is not the most unlikely scenario. Anywhere above top four seems unattainable with the way the squad is currently performing, and with Fiorentina (1st) and Inter Milan (2nd) both on 27 points, then fourth or fifth seems the most likely situation we will see the Rossoneri in at the end of the season.
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