AC Milan win 3-2 against Bodo Glimt and progress to the next stage but the Rossoneri confirm their shortcomings in two key areas.
AC Milan progress to the next stage of Europa League beating Bodo Glimt 3-2. Hakan Calahnoglu was on fire leading the Rossoneri with two goals and one assists. Lorenzo Colombo had a night to remember scoring in his first-minute debut with AC Milan.
Nevertheless, the performance of Stefano Pioli’s side can be considered ‘just enough’. The Rossoneri were in control of the game but conceding two goals (if was nearly three) against the Norwegians of Bodo Glimt is a troubling signal.
Today’s display should serve as a waking up call for the management. Even though the absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic impacted the match, the Rossoneri demonstrated obvious deficiencies in two key areas.
AC Milan desperately need a top level centre back. Matteo Gabbia simply is not experienced enough to step in the shoes of either Alessio Romagnoli or Simon Kjaer if one of the two injured. The fact that almost every year the league is won by the team with the best defence is another factor that must hurry the management to bring a new centre back.
Another notable absence for tonight was that of Ante Rebic. With Leao not available, Pioli adapted Alexis Saelemaekers as left winger with Samu Castillejo on the other side. Both do well but their inability to penetrate the defence and command the wing against a squad of Bodo Glimt’s level is disturbing considering how compact the Serie A teams are. Without a new winger (Chiesa would be the top), Milan will find it difficult entering the top four after so many years out.
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