"In the first half of the season, Milan had the second-best defence in the league (15 goals conceded, tied with Inter, Napoli and Como), a detail that pushed Massimiliano Allegri's men to within three points of the top spot. At one point, it was the best in Europe."
"There was talk of Scudetto ambitions, of a team that would give up anything before their soul and ability to defend with almost obsessive order. A few months later, however, everything changed: since mid-March, Milan have scored just six goals and conceded 12."
"The date to circle in red is March 15. Milan lost in Rome against Lazio - with Inter having drawn at home to Atalanta the day before - and there they took the exit that took them out of the Scudetto race. It was their third defeat of the season."
"Besides the psychological blow of being removed from the top spot, individual performances declined markedly, including physically. The midfield declined when Luka Modric slowed down. Furthermore, the decline in Adrien Rabiot's dirty work - a man who always provided a tangible boost to the collective rearguard action - was also noticeable."
Milan’s defense shifted from league-leading solidity to a cause for concern. In the first half of the season, Milan conceded 15 goals, tied for second-best in the league, and were within three points of the top. After mid-March, Milan scored only six goals and conceded 12. They allowed nine goals in their last six games and five in their last two. A key turning point came on March 15, when Milan lost to Lazio in Rome, their third defeat of the season, while Matteo Gabbia was injured. As the season progressed, psychological impact and physical decline affected individual performances, including midfield drop-offs linked to Luka Modric slowing and reduced defensive work from Adrien Rabiot.
Read at SempreMilan
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