AC Milan’s opening match of the Serie A season did not go according to plan. The Rossoneri, who were expected to be strong contenders for the Scudetto, were held to a 2-2 draw at home against Torino, a team that finished 10th last season.
The game was a microcosm of Milan’s season so far, with poor defending, a lack of creativity in attack and an inability to close out the game. The Rossoneri took the lead in the 30th minute when a Malick Thiaw clearance deflected into the net for an own goal. However, Torino equalised in the 68th minute through a header from Duván Zapata, before doubling their lead just moments later with another Zapata header. However, the Rossoneri staged a dramatic late comeback to salvage a point. Morata, making his competitive debut for Milan, scored in the 90th minute, and Noah Okafor equalised in the 94th minute to rescue a point for the home side.
A Shocking First Game
Milan’s performance was particularly concerning given that it was against a team they had beaten 3-1 in their last meeting in May. This suggests that the Rossoneri have not improved on their defensive frailties, which were a major issue last season. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of new manager Paulo Fonseca’s tactical approach.
Fonseca, who arrived at Milan from Lille, is known for his attacking style of play. However, against Torino, Milan were unable to create any clear-cut chances for much of the match. They lacked the fluidity and dynamism that Fonseca had instilled in his Lille team. Milan were also slow to react to Torino’s second goal, which suggests that the team is still struggling to adapt to Fonseca’s methods.
The Players to Watch
The game highlighted several key concerns for Milan. Firstly, the defence looked shaky and susceptible to mistakes. Thiaw’s own goal, in particular, was a costly error, and he has been a liability for Milan in the past. Secondly, the lack of creativity in attack was worrying. Milan were unable to break down a resilient Torino defence. The Rossoneri’s attacking players, such as Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao, were ineffective. However, the game also highlighted some positives. Morata, a summer signing from Atlético Madrid, showed his quality and his ability to score goals. Okafor, another new signing, had a great impact off the bench, showcasing his pace and his ability to take on defenders. Reijnders and Musah also impressed, demonstrating the potential to become key players for Milan. Overall, the draw against Torino was a disappointing start for AC Milan. The performance exposed many issues that need to be addressed if the Rossoneri are to compete for the title. However, the late comeback showed resilience and the potential for the team to turn things around. The Rossoneri’s summer signings, particularly Morata and Okafor, have already shown that they can be vital assets. Fonseca will need to work hard to implement his tactics, improve the team’s defensive solidity, and create a more cohesive unit.
The Road Ahead
The draw against Torino was a wake-up call for Milan. It is clear that the Rossoneri are not ready to compete for the title. If the team wants to challenge for the Scudetto, they need to improve their performances and create a more solid foundation. Fonseca and his players will have to learn from their mistakes and build on the positive elements of the Torino game. The next few matches will be crucial in determining how the Rossoneri are going to fare this season.
It’s too early to say if Milan will be able to achieve their goals this season. However, the draw against Torino has shown that they still have a long way to go. The Rossoneri must address their weaknesses and improve their consistency if they want to be successful. This season may be a turbulent one for Milan. It will be exciting to see how the team develops under Fonseca’s management and whether they can overcome the challenges ahead of them.
