Against Bologna, AC Milan conceded their 24th and 25th goals of the season in Serie A respectively and the second one ended up costing them two valuable points.
As MilanNews writes, Milan’s defensive record is one of the worst among the top 10 in the table (only Roma have let in more goals in the top eight). Fiorentina (22), Lazio (20) and Torino (19) have also conceded fewer goals than the Rossoneri.
These are obviously significant numbers, and Stefano Pioli will be working with his staff and the squad in the coming days and weeks to find a solution as soon as possible.
But what is Milan’s real problem? One of the reasons behind this fragility defensive could lie in the attitude that the defensive line is asked to have, which at times does not match the characteristics of the players who are deployed on the pitch.
On several occasions during the January window, Pioli has publicly asked for an addition in that department but the impression is that in the end Milan’s squad will remain like this.
How much could the arrival of a new defender have affected the defensive stability of the Rossoneri? Well, it depends on the characteristics that they would have.
If the team were to continue to accept 1vs1 battles across the pitch throughout the match without changing their aggressive attitude, one new centre-back might not help.
On the other hand if the central defender were to have the speed, athleticism and physicality to thrive with a high line – like Fikayo Tomori, Pierre Kalulu and Malick Thiaw – it could give Matteo Gabbia and/or Simon Kjaer a much needed hand.
Still, the point remains that Milan simply have to get more streetwise in the defensive phase, and there is also an argument that the lack of protection from midfield leaves them exposed in transition.