A Brutal End to Milan’s Top Four Hopes
AC Milan’s aspirations for a top-four finish in Serie A were already looking grim heading into their match against Lazio, but the 1-2 defeat at Stadio Olimpico delivered the final, devastating blow. Lazio, under the steady guidance of Marco Baroni, capitalized on Milan’s tactical shortcomings and defensive lapses to secure a hard-fought victory. Mattia Zaccagni’s goal, a rebound from Adam Murisic’s shot in the first half, set the tone for Lazio’s dominance. Despite Strahinja Pavlovic’s red card in the second half, which seemed to tilt the balance in Milan’s favor, Rafael Leao’s late equalizer for Milan was not enough. The match ended on a bitter note as Mike Maignan was called for a penalty foul against Gustav Isaksen in the 97th minute, with Pedro converting the decisive spot-kick. This loss not only extinguished Milan’s top-four hopes but also cast a dark shadow over their chances of securing a spot in European competitions next season.
Familiar Defensive Lapses
One of the recurring issues for Milan this season has been their inability to execute a consistent and effective zonal press. During their earlier 2-2 draw with Lazio, a goal was conceded due to a breakdown in this defensive strategy. In Sunday’s match, a familiar pattern emerged when Lazio’s Tavares found himself unmarked between Milan’s defensive lines. Matteo Gabbia and Alex Jimenez failed to pick up their man or cover the space, leading to a dangerous situation for the Rossoneri. Lazio’s attacking prowess was evident when they tried to exploit these gaps through decoy runs. However, Milan’s adherence to their zonal marking strategy allowed them to clear the corner, though not without highlighting their defensive inconsistencies.
Unusual and Ineffective Build-Up Structure
A striking observation from Milan’s tactical approach under Vítor Conceição is their unique 2+2 structure in building out from the back. This setup, where two center-backs and two full-backs form the base, deviates from the more common 3+2 or 2+3 structures that many managers favor. The 2+2 structure is not inherently flawed, but it often leaves Milan’s build-up play exposed and lacking in central progression. Lazio’s high and intense pressing effectively suffocated Milan’s attempts to build through the center. The gap between Milan’s defensive line and the midfield was exploited, as evidenced when Manuel Lazzari outpaced Theo Hernandez to create a scoring opportunity. Zaccagni’s goal, a tap-in from a rebound, further emphasized the limitations of Milan’s possession structure.
Struggles in Counter-Attack Scenarios
Milan’s counter-attack scenarios were another area of concern. The positioning of the players often lacked the intelligence and coordination needed to stretch the defense or create viable passing options for the ball-carrier. Lazio’s defensive organization was commendable, but Milan’s forwards could have done more to capitalize on the breaks. The lack of movement and awareness during transitions left the Rossoneri vulnerable and ineffective. Even when Milan shifted to a 2-4-4 formation while in possession, the issues persisted. Fofana, tasked with central progression, found himself outnumbered by Lazio’s forward players, leading to a mis-hit pass that Tavares capitalized on to launch a counter-attack, resulting in a shot on target for Lazio.
Tactical Adjustments and Their Impact
In an attempt to address the central congestion and provide better support, Vítor Conceição brought on Joao Felix and pushed Tijjani Reijnders back. The immediate change in structure was noticeable, as it allowed for more balanced and effective build-up play. However, the effectiveness of these adjustments was short-lived, especially after Pavlovic’s red card. Conceição’s decision to replace Fofana with an extra defender in response to the dismissal created a significant gap between the second and third lines of defense. This tactical move turned the match into a high-stakes, fast-paced affair, reminiscent of a basketball game, where every possession mattered.
The Final Buzzer-Beater
The match took a dramatic turn in the dying minutes, with Rafael Leao’s cross finding Samuel Chukwueze, who headed in an equalizer, rekindling hope for a Milan comeback. However, just as it seemed the Rossoneri might salvage a point, the match ended with a controversial penalty call. Mike Maignan was adjudged to have fouled Gustav Isaksen inside the box, leading to a penalty in the 97th minute. Pedro’s cool finish from the spot sealed Lazio’s victory and dashed Milan’s remaining hopes. The final moments of the match were a microcosm of Milan’s season: moments of brilliance overshadowed by significant tactical and defensive flaws. As the final whistle blew, it was clear that Milan had much to reflect upon and improve to regain their competitive edge in future seasons.
