Udinese – Milan Serie A Week 4

Week 3 versus Bologna featured a 1-0 win and another clean sheet. Allegri’s much discussed and criticized defensive shape was on view and at the very least has Milan with a questionable back line keeping the ball out of their own net. Starting all of Modric, Fofana, Rabiot and Loftus Cheek certainly overloads the midfield to add to what Allegri’s coaching is about. However, the game was tainted and marred by injuries and poor refereeing. The former had Pavlovic and Maignan exiting the game with what is now said to be minor injuries. The latter had referees not giving Milan two clear cut penalties. Even though the penalties were within the same sequence, as Nkunku was brought now twice in quick succession, Matteo Marcenaro in consultation with VAR Michael Fabbri dismissed the pleas. Allegri got himself red carded as the match concluded. After the match everyone up to Gabriele Gravina – the Italian football federation president – acknowledged the errors and Milan received an apology. The short term suspensions or ‘keep aways’ from games for the involved referees are not likely to rescue the current system where camera evidence is being brushed aside by several sets of eyes versus one set of eyes, as it was in the pre-VAR era.

Thankfully Modric had scored a great goal earlier in the match and Milan had the three points before the above farce. The aforementioned injuries force Allegri to use others from the thin squad at his disposal. Leao was hoped to be ready but he remains absent again and this probably means the 3-5-1-1 or 3-5-2 sees another light of day again. Allegri will eventually settle for a 4-3-3 or so we are led to believe.

Pulisic is reportedly ready for a start and is likely to start behind Gimenez. This looks to push Loftus-Cheek back into the midfield five. It is also possible that Gimenez starts on the bench with Pulisic further up. Fofana might be the player to give way if the expected tactics are chosen. Pavlovic could pass fitness tests and be ready to start, if not De Winter will take his place at the back. Tomori and Gabbia should continue to start from here to January, at least.

Pietro Terracciano will start in Maignan’s place. The Frenchman looks more and more like a Bosman exit next summer and his possible replacement will add to what can be another hectic summer next year.

Kosta Runjaic’s men have not lost yet this season. One of Udinese’s two wins this season include beating Inter 2-1 at the San Siro two weeks ago.

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