The demise of reigning Serie A champions AC Milan took yet another wrong turn following Sunday’s 1-0 Derby di Milano defeat to fierce local rivals Inter Milan.
Milan had been widely expected to defend their league crown following last season’s exploits, but they have fallen a long way behind in the race for the Scudetto.
Lautaro Martinez’s header from a Hakan Calhanoglu corner condemned Stefano Pioli’s side to a third successive league defeat which has effectively ruled them out of any potential title challenge.
The result was a new low for Milan, having also suffered a heavier 3-0 defeat to the Nerazzurri in the final of the Supercoppa Italiana just last month.
Milan are in a difficult period and former head coach Arrigo Sacchi says Pioli is to blame for the second consecutive defeat to Inter this season.
In an interview with the Gazzetta dello Sport (via Calciomercato), Sacchi criticised Pioli’s decisions to change his system, claiming the 57-year-old needs to be convinced of his ideas.
“Milan is no longer a team – Inter especially in the first half played with a sparring partner,” Sacchi explained. “Pioli made a mistake in setting up a five-man defence, disavowing years of work.
“The coach must be the first to be convinced of his ideas. It is as if he had said: I was wrong. There has been confusion and nullification of any game idea, so it’s not good.
“The system could also have changed differently, with three midfielders. Milan seemed scared, even terrified. He arrived late for any ball, always chasing his opponents”.
Milan have only picked up five points since club football returned after the World Cup break. Pioli’s side have also been knocked out of the Coppa Italia by Torino.
Talk of a title defence is a thing of the past, but Milan could face a battle to make next season’s Champions League unless Pioli finds a way to steady his sinking ship.
Milan are currently sixth in the table, level on points with Atalanta and fourth-placed Lazio, but Maurizio Sarri’s side have a game in hand.
