A struggling Rossoneri, reeling from two straight draws against the two worst teams in the Serie A competition are in dire need of victory against Frosinone this week.
AC Milan come into the game off the back of two draws against Carpi and Verona. In what was viewed at the beginning of December to be a month of victories against the troubled teams dwelling at the bottom of the ladder, it has turned into a game of survival. A loss this weekend and manager Sinisa Mihajlovic may find himself ousted from his position. Milan also play Sampdoria midweek in the Coppa Italia, with reports also suggesting that if they fail to win there, then the coach will be shown the door. The Christmas break will be a welcome sigh of relief, provided he and the team get through it unscathed. The time off will allow the team some much needed recovery and will give Mihajlovic a chance to work out the kinks in his resurgence plan for the Rossoneri.
Milan currently sit seventh on the Serie A ladder on 25 points, 11 behind leaders and local rivals Inter and seven points off the third and last Champions League qualifying spot, which is currently held by Napoli with 32 points. Mihajlovic still believes that they are in the race for top spot, but it is more likely that they will be hunting Champions League qualification.
The offense is arguably the team’s weakest link and their inability to find the back of the net consistently is a serious problem, made evidently so against Carpi two weeks ago. Carlos Bacca and Luiz Adriano have struggled for most of the season. Mario Balotelli has recently returned to group training and there is a chance that he may make a return for either the match against Sampdoria midweek,or for the final match of the year against Frosinone this coming weekend. His return may not be until after the winter break though if management decide they would rather not risk Balotelli re-injuring himself.
The midfielders are having similar problems to the forwards this season, while key strikers are failing to protect the ball and struggle to create many shots, the midfielder’s lack of any real threats for the forwards are a constant problem.
Fans of the Rossoneri will be hoping that the team can return to winning ways against Frosinone, for while they struggle in the final third and are finding it hard to find many goal scoring opportunities, the return of Balotelli will boost the team immensely. The infamous hitman was looking in excellent form right before he picked up his injury.
A key point that Sinisa Mihajlovic has on his side is the team’s resolve and show of mental strength compared to last season. Their mentality has improved considerably from last year, evidently so in the match last week against Verona when they went a man down. Last time around and even at the start of this season, the Rossoneri would have collapsed as a whole and conceded after going a man down. This time, however, after De Jong was shown a soft red card and a penalty was given, the players rallied following the converted spot kick and held out Verona for the rest of the match. It shows progress, albeit slow progress, but it is happening nonetheless.
Fans will have to accept that change will not be instantaneous at Milan and despite the struggles that the team are having in the final third, Mihajlovic has shown that he is capable of turning this team around, he just needs time.
They face a tricky start to the new year, taking on Bologna first, followed by Roma, who could be with a new coach if rumours are anything to go by.
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Milan have not faced Frosinone in the Serie A before, so this will be a new test for them. A win would see the Rossoneri go to 28 points and potentially sixth place, jumping over Sassuolo if they fail to win their match on the weekend. A loss could see them potentially drop to 10th on goal difference. A major factor in their attempted run up the ladder will be goal difference. Bacca, Adriano and even Balotelli (once returned) seriously need to find their goal scoring boots and put some in the back of the net for Milan.
In what has become a topsy turvy season, the team will be very much looking forward to the break, as well as Mihajlovic and fans alike. With any luck, the Rossoneri can win their Coppa Italia match and the important game against Frosinone to end the year, giving the team a chance to recover and recuperate before the season kick starts against after Christmas.
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