Serie A – What We Learned – Carpi 0 AC Milan 0

Serie A – What We Learned – Carpi 0 AC Milan 0

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Milan’s mediocre season continued on Sunday as the Rossoneri failed to get past Carpi in a 0-0 draw.

AC Milan slugged through 90 minutes of dire football to draw 0-0 with 19th-placed Carpi. After putting seven goals past Sampdoria and Crotone throughout the last two matches, it seemed inevitable that Milan would sink back into their shell and struggle to find their offensive strength for a third match in a row. The draw sees Milan drop to eighth position on the table, on 24 points and now nine points off first-placed cross-town rivals Inter.

AC Milan next take on Hellas Verona, who have not won a game at all this Serie A season. The Rossoneri will be desperate to take away three points from that match and failure to do so will heap more pressure on the team and manager Sinisa Mihajlovic.

Donnarumma brilliant yet again

It’s the story of the season so far for Milan, their best on field is the young gun between the sticks. After being let down on the offense, Donnarumma was forced to step up his intensity, making a number of excellent saves to deny the Carpi forwards. The first half was particularly dull and full of gloom, Lorenzo Lollo had a superb shot narrowly saved by Donnarumma. As the game wore on, Milan dominated more of the possession, but it was Donnarumma who kept them in the game, as usual.

Cerci careless

Alessio Cerci had numerous chances to score, getting himself into some excellent positions only to find himself flat footed or to simply give the ball away. He continued to give the ball away at inopportune times and will be hoping to have a better game next week or may find himself on the bench. He was replaced by Luiz Adriano in the 68th minute as Mihajlovic went searching for a decisive goal.

Belec unbelievable

Carpi goalkeeper Vid Belec played superbly, successfully parrying away everything Milan threw at him. Belec made several excellent saves, namely against a Giacomo Bonaventura free kick and an Alex header that was blocked on the line.  

Vid Belec starred for Carpi
Vid Belec starred for Carpi

Same final third, same old story

The final third has been and continues to be a consistent issue for the Rossoneri this season. Their inability to come away with any of the chances that are created throughout a match is becoming tough for fans to endure. Even with the Carpi defence in strong form and Belec making some wonderful saves, Milan should have put at least two or three goals past them. Instead, the midfield was frustrated yet again and the forwards just could not finish the job. Mihajlovic brought Luiz Adriano on for Cerci late in the second half in a bid to find the elusive goal, though the move appeared to be too little, too late. M’Baye Niang displayed his speed and brilliance on the ball throughout the game, but he too struggled to find the back of the net and after scoring two and providing an assist against Sampdoria, he will be left pondering what could have been in this match. Carlos Bacca was once again quiet up front and may find himself swapping with Adriano to the bench if not careful.  

Milan need Balotelli

Milan are in need of some striking rejuvenation and Mario Balotelli will be hoping that he is the answer. He is, however, still recovering from surgery and will not be playing until at least January. Until then, Mihajlovic may have to look at a revamp with his system on the field in the hope the Rossoneri can find some consistent, threatening offense upfront.

Off the pace

AC Milan now sit in eighth spot on the table, nine points off Inter Milan who lead on 33 points. Any hopes of a top three finish are slowly fading.

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