Milan’s Midfield Dynamics

This post has a trick title. Because the biggest problem in Milan’s midfield is that there are no dynamics. Mihajlovic has done his best to try to find the right combination, but the truth is there just might not be one with this group of midfielders. Not that this would be a surprise to the fans, who have long begged for a quality midfielder. But since management do not value the fans or their opinions (or winning, apparently,) we are stuck with what we have. No midfield dynamics.

Who is the real regista?

Genoa 1, Milan 0: Blanked

For those of us in an inopportune timezone, watching this at, say, 3:30am, this match added insult to injury. For those who typically watch Milan at that kind of time, this must have been a massive waste of a decent match time for once. For all Milan fans worldwide, it had to be an epic fail. While some fans felt that the win was only a matter of the scoreline, others of us knew this was gonna be ugly. Still, I’m not sure anyone anticipated just how much. So instead of celebrating a third consecutive win, we were put into place by our feeder club, while Galliani scouted for the January mercato. In essence, we were blanked.

Not even this level of beastliness could save us from ourselves

Genoa vs. Milan: Let’s Do Lunch

I’m not sure that’s what the sauce is called…

Genoa-Milan Preview: It’s Gonna Be Ugly

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from our last two games, it’s that a win isn’t always beautiful. In fact, a win can be downright ugly, particularly when the “ghosts of the past” come back to haunt us on defense. Add to that we are playing at the Marassi, and things can get very ugly there. Then there’s the time of the game, a lunchtime game in Genoa means I’m watching at 3:30am. That’s definitely ugly. On the bright side, hopefully we won’t be wearing those inexcusable things we call our third kit, like we did on Tuesday. Hopefully it’s not going to be that ugly. But we may as well plan that it’s gonna be ugly.

Just because it's our 2nd away game in a row doesn't mean it won't get ugly if the guys don't give 100%

Udinese 2, Milan 3: Two Shoes

In Spanish, “zapata” means “shoe.” So fitting, then, that each team today had a Zapata. And that each one of them scored. But neither shoe was golden, nor were they a matched set. And despite Milan holding out for the win, I can’t imagine they’re happy with the performance. While the learning curve is still in place, it is very disconcerting that the last convincing win we had was against a newly promoted Serie B side in the Coppa Italia. Not as disconcerting as those third kits, mind you.  But still, a win is a win. On paper, no one has to know how we got it, they will just see the three points. And it’s our second win in four days, too. So if I had to choose one of the two shoes, I’ll keep ours, thank you very much.

WARNING: This blog is not responsible for any damage to your eyes should you look at the pictures from the match. Continue at your own risk.

"They can dress us like nightmarish clowns, but we can overcome and get three points!" 

Udinese-Milan Preview: Would it Even Matter?

After a win on Saturday, Milan travel to Udine to take on the 18th place Udinese in their house. Udinese haven’t won a game since their opener, so will be very determined to get a valuable three points in their house. Meanwhile, Milan, coming off of an important win at home, will want to keep up the streak to keep climbing the table. But with the apathy of Milan fans following that win, would it even matter?

What if no one saw his brace... would it really be a brace?

Milan 3, Palermo 2: Brace Yourselves

It’s hard not to be thrilled with three points. Especially at home, in front of the fans who are the team’s worst critics. Strike that, the team’s second worst critics. Or maybe third. The media has a nasty habit of grabbing one player and crucifying them, but no one does that better than social media. It’s like people are watching Twitter now, instead of the game. Or at least looking to Twitter to tell them what to think about players. But I digress. We won. With an amazing brace by Chewie (Bacca,) and a beautiful free kick from Bonaventura. People in the stadium looked happy, and a win will do that. But if you think that I am happy, you should probably brace yourselves.

There were certainly things to be happy about

Milan vs. Palermo: Contemplation

With a loss that somehow was kind of like a win last week in the Derby, Mihajlovic is looking to string two good performances together. Palermo won their first two matches, but drew with relegation zone Carpi last week to put an end to their perfect start. So they will be contemplating how to take three points away, while Milan desperately need to beat the Sicilian side to get back on track this season.

Contemplation: "I used to win trophies at Milan, now they make me sweep the locker room at Palermo"

Podcast: Team Mihajlovic

Recorded immediately after the disappointing and yet strangely encouraging Derby loss, this podcast was like therapy for Milan fans. Despite losing, there are still encouraging signs within the team. And yet there are bad signs financially while things look to be improving on the pitch. There have been a lot of rumors and criticism of Mihajlovic’, and yet it seems like there is a lot of solidarity and support for him, too. So above all else, it’s a good time to ask yourself: Are you on Team Mihajlovic?

You're either with him or you're a princess

Inter 1, Milan, 0: Great Expectations

This Derby seemed win-able. Our squad were match fit with only a few injuries, and they seemed newly motivated after a couple of performances that were more reminiscent of the Milan of past years. On the other hand Inter, obviously a better squad on paper, were still trying to gel and find their form together after a number of last minute changes in the transfer market. They had eeked out a couple of wins thus far thanks entirely to one player’s heroics, so it just seemed like maybe they were beatable. With all of this in mind, I think a lot of us had great expectations.

Yeah, it kinda felt like that.

Inter vs. Milan: Make it Rain

Erick Thohir: throwing his money down the toilet since 2013

Inter vs. Milan Preview: The Haves and the Have Nots

Traditionally, Inter have been supported by fans who are upper middle class, while Milan have been supported by the working class. So it’s no surprise that Inter spent this transfer window, despite already being sanctioned for FFP violations. And while Inter bought seemingly every available player for Mancini, who of course makes double what Mihajlovic makes, it’s not always what you have that matters. It’s how you use it. Which is why this scrappy little Milan team beat Mancini’s collection of players twice this summer. So once again, it’s the haves and the have not’s. But money can’t buy everything.

Red like the fire, black like your fear... from the working class fans

Derby Fever

There is nothing quite like the Derby della Madonnina. There are plenty of heated rivalries, but this one involves family. The level of passion is only exceeded by the mazing coreo, at least in the Curva Sud. And fans all over the world get caught up in the passion, a phenomenon known as Derby Fever.

Disgusting! That Milan fan is touching an Inter fan!

A Tale of Two Cousins

With the world famous Derby della Madonnina coming up on Sunday, it seemed appropriate to share a little history lesson on the darker side of Milan. Both Inter and AC Milan are called “i Cugini” or “the cousins” because they were once both part of the same club. But Inter split off due to a disagreement, and for their petulance have been the lesser of the two clubs historically since then. They’ve even resorted to criminal activity just to try to keep up with the good side of Milan, making the Derby an even more heated contest. As with all dysfunctional families, this family gathering is more than just a tale of two cousins.

Literally a family affair

Missing Parts: Summer Mercato Wrapup

This summer’s mercato was characterized by missing parts. First, the announcement of the exit of a number of players whose performances had gone missing for some time, and now the club was finally seeing to it that those players themselves would go missing, too. Then some failed signings and a number of signings that seemed like they would improve the squad, and still everyone was happy. But there were just one or two more missing pieces that had been desperately needed: a quality midfielder and perhaps another decent defender. If we were truly to compete for a Champions League spot again, we desperately needed a good midfielder. But Galliani Day™ came and went, and the only midfielder that came in was one who will be lucky to make the starting 11, but definitely does not improve the squad. So here we are, a largely improved squad, but still not competitive due to missing parts.

The Balotelli Rules

In the most recent podcast, I discussed a little bit about the Balotelli Rules. Balotelli was not simply allowed to sign a contract and return like other players. Galliani came up with a list of rules, and even Mihajlovic contributed to them. Most are pretty straightforward, and have even been made by other clubs for other players before. But considering the abuse that Balotelli is constantly receiving and the constant witch hunt that the media has going for him, it makes you kind of wonder: What is the deal with the Balotelli Rules?

He said he'd agree to any rule, just for the chance to play at Milan again

GUEST POST: Growing Up with AC Milan

Today I’m excited to present a very special guest writer from here in the United States. His name is Pierluca, and you can follow him on Twitter @Pierlucaaaa Please enjoy his piece that reminds us all what it is to truly be a Milan fan:

I am a 13 year-old Italian American. I am very proud to be Italian and extremely proud to be a Milan fan. I've been growing up a Milanista. My passion for the Rossoneri was born when my father and my godfather introduced me to the club. I really enjoy watching Milan games or reading about them with my dad, Pasquale.

I love watching videos about Milan either if it's on BeIN Sports, RAI International or even fan YouTube shows just so I can stay updated. I also read about Milan on Twitter or any website that has a piece on them. Naturally, I'm always ecstatic to wake up at the crack of dawn just to watch Milan.

Of course there are pros and cons with being a Milan fan. Honestly it's mostly pros but last year's front office inconsistencies and last year’s form was as disappointing as it was the previous year. Hopefully this year we can pick up some slack, which I'm hopeful we will.  

Other than that I love everything about the red and blacks. Being from the United States, you would think I would support an MLS team, but nope. I'm a one team guy with the exception of the Azzurri. My mom has become accustomed to my Milan obsession (no pun intended,) as the other day she informed me that I had a dentist appointment on Friday at 11:45. I responded "Dang it, mom". "Let me guess, a soccer game?" Nailed it mom.

I am really passionate about my favorite team and that reflects in my favorite players. Stephan El Shaarawy, Jack Bonaventura and Paolo Maldini are definitely up there with me. I love the fact that all three of them show loyalty to Milan just like I do. Even though El Shaarawy is gone I remember his 16 goal season when he was getting offers from everyone but still he wanted nothing more than to stay with his favorite club as a boy.  

My other favorite players are Dida, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Mario Balotelli. I love Dida because he has always been an amazing goalkeeper plus we play the same position. With Mario and Zlatan I don't know what it is, but when I first saw Mario play for Manchester City I knew he was going to be one of my favorite players. I was overjoyed when he joined the first time and was sad when he left but I knew it was for the better. Now I'm glad he is back because I really think Mihajlovic will make him buckle down and he will work hard and hopefully regain form.

Thank you once again to Pierluca for sharing his Milan passion with us. And follow him on Twitter, too @Pierlucaaaa.

Now it’s your turn… please share with us in the comment section any or all of the following: When did you become a Milanista? Why did you become a Milanista? What crazy things do you do to support Milan? Who are your favorite all time Milan players?

Our next match is a friendly

Mantova vs. Milan

Thursday, September 3 • 19:00 CEST (1pm EDT)