[han2503]

Who: A.C. Milan vs. F.C. Internazionale Milano



(IMG:http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah232/hannvis/milan-inter_zps4626da11.png)



Where: Stadio San Siro



(IMG:http://www.acmilan.com/uploads/club/sansiro.jpg)



When:
23rd November 2014 @ 8:45pm CET


Head-to-Head Record



(IMG:http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah232/hannvis/milan-interstats_zpsb472f2a7.png)

[X-Offender]

Strangely Mediaset have Abate on the right even though they say he's unavailable. They also say that Rami might play on the right if that's the case (cos again, f*ck Armero).

MILAN (4-3-3): Diego Lopez; Abate, Rami, Alex, De Sciglio; Muntari, De Jong, Bonaventura; Honda, Menez, El Shaarawy.
INTER (4-3-1-2): Handanovic; Nagatomo, Ranocchia, Juan Jesus, Dodò; Guarin, M'Vila, Obi; Kovacic; Icardi, Palacio.

Link

Yes Pippo, go with the brilliant 4-3-3 with Muntari in midfield and Honda on the wing. That really has worked for us so far *sigh*

[Danny]

www.milanfan.com/f*ckarmero

[X-Offender]

Someone posted this on FB as the formation they'd play:

(IMG:http://i61.tinypic.com/2mx085g.png)

How could you disagree? It's exactly like how we should be playing, but no! Too obvious and offensive for Pippo. Not enough shtick in the middle without Muntari. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[Danny]

I'd have Bona over Honda. And Zaps over Rami. And myself over Torres.

[acid911]

And myself over Torres.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[X-Offender]

Mediaset have to get their sh*t together. Yesterday they were saying De Jong had recovered from his injury, today they're saying his recovery for the derby is improbable. Essien will play in his stead.

Diego Lopez; Abate, Mexes, Alex, De Sciglio; Muntari, Essien, Bonaventura; Honda, Menez, El Shaarawy.

Ain't that midfield a joy to watch? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif)

If Pippo really does end up playing that formation then I hope we get thrashed. This sh*t can't keep up any longer!

[Fillipo Simone]

Hoping to get trashed by Inter just because you don't like the lineup is - and pardon my expression - pretty stupid.

I get your frustration, but at this point it's pointless. We hoped Allegri would go away. What happened then? Nothing, just more of the same or similar. If we sack Pippo now, we'll most probably end up with...Oddo or Zambrotta at helm. So, what's the difference?

[X-Offender]

Hoping to get trashed by Inter just because you don't like the lineup is - and pardon my expression - pretty stupid.

I get your frustration, but at this point it's pointless. We hoped Allegri would go away. What happened then? Nothing, just more of the same or similar. If we sack Pippo now, we'll most probably end up with...Oddo or Zambrotta at helm. So, what's the difference?

Yes, it is pretty stupid, but the frustration is taking the better of me. I'm way past the point of patience. We should have signed someone like Rijkaard, who's free and won't probably cost a lot. Yes, he completely vanished after leaving Barça and has accomplished jackshit since then, but even so he'd be ten times better than poor Inzaghi.

[Danny]

I'm with X actually. If we start a team that disgusting and it plays like it looks, then if a thrashing is what it takes to see Pippo isn't the man for the job and the team isn't up to Milan scratch, I'll take it.

I love Milan, and that's why I desperately want change.

This midtable incarnation isn't Milan - it's a hollow joke, and Essien and Muntari paired in midfield with that disgusting defence and that threadbare attack is just garbage.

[Fillipo Simone]

I can't understand the logic. Leonardo got trashed by Inter, nothing happened. Allegri lost and lost and lost and only got sacked at the last bearable moment. Now should we enter the cycle again? What will it take now to make a difference? Relegation spot?

And what then, when we sack Inzaghi? You think we'll sign Spalletti, Rijkaard? No, it will start over again.

So the only difference would be a change in management.

[han2503]

I'm with X actually. If we start a team that disgusting and it plays like it looks, then if a thrashing is what it takes to see Pippo isn't the man for the job and the team isn't up to Milan scratch, I'll take it.

I love Milan, and that's why I desperately want change.

This midtable incarnation isn't Milan - it's a hollow joke, and Essien and Muntari paired in midfield with that disgusting defence and that threadbare attack is just garbage.

What's disgusting about the defence? I think it's the strongest 4 we can field, I know you don't agree with me because of Mexes and DS. But really, if both Abate and DS are fit they should be starting, Armero is a good back up guy and I don't for one second think that it's okay for Pippo to shift around the entire back line just so that he doesn't have to play him but Armero has serious defensive weaknesses, DS is going through a rough patch atm, but defensively I still trust him more.

As for Mexes, I still personally think that him and Alex are our most accomplished CBs. Rami and Zapata both bring in a whole slew of issues

I can't understand the logic. Leonardo got trashed by Inter, nothing happened. Allegri lost and lost and lost and only got sacked at the last bearable moment. Now should we enter the cycle again? What will it take now to make a difference? Relegation spot?

And what then, when we sack Inzaghi? You think we'll sign Spalletti, Rijkaard? No, it will start over again.

So the only difference would be a change in management.

You're right it's a big issue, and not really a coaching one. The fact that we've been hiring rookies since Carlo left has been a major problem for us.

[acid911]

As for Mexes, I still personally think that him and Alex are our most accomplished CBs. Rami and Zapata both bring in a whole slew of issues

Oh, I would pay good money to see a pairing of DS, Mexes, Alex, Abate play on. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) On for a few straight weeks, without any injuries and without any additional tinkering. Maybe we'll get some defense stability going. But I'm sure such thoughts and Inzaghi don't live on the same planet.

[X-Offender]

I'm not sure if Mexes and Alex complement each other well...

[acid911]

I'm not sure if Mexes and Alex complement each other well...

That was on my mind, true, and that's why I put DS alongside Mexes. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Besides, both Abate and him are pacy and at their peak, so they can lend a hand. But at least, we'll not have those brain freeze moments that we get with our other CB pairings, at least one every match that leads to goals.

But hey, it's fantasia, not like this back four will ever happen. Plus, things may change in January, and we may offload Mexes if both the club and the player see an opportunity. Point being, our defense is in tatters, and no surprises our whole team is, in a way. Leagues are won from the back, you need stability there. Watertight.

[han2503]

I'm not sure if Mexes and Alex complement each other well...

Well we can't really come to that conclusion without actually seeing them in action.

I think the only drawback they bring is that they're both relatively slow, but aside from that they're both very good CBs

Rami has his issues, Zapata has his. I trust Mexes more than both of those 2 put together

[X-Offender]

Daily update

Milan (4-2-3-1): Diego Lopez; Rami, Mexes, Alex, De Sciglio; Muntari, Essien; Bonaventura, Menez, El Shaarawy; Torres.

[Danny]

Daily update

Milan (4-2-3-1): Diego Lopez; Rami, Mexes, Alex, De Sciglio; Muntari, Essien; Bonaventura, Menez, El Shaarawy; Torres.

Oh my. Are they just making this sh*t up as they go along?

[han2503]

Oh my. Are they just making this sh*t up as they go along?

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

That's what I was thinking, Rami on the right is just ridiculous, has he ever even played there in his career, like EVER?

And is this some sort of deformed 4-2-3-1?

[acid911]

Oh, dear can we just get Abate in place of Rami in the newest formation. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Unavailable at the exact wrong time that guy. Would just have loved to see that back four in what is probably the biggest match of the season for us. I don't care how they perform, just want to see them start and play the whole 90.

[X-Offender]

I don't care how they perform, just want to see them start and play the whole 90.

That's the problem though, isn't it? We never perform for the whole 90 minutes. We're very inconsistent. On top of playing bad, we don't display hunger and eagerness to win. Sometimes we just seem happy with a draw against the likes of Cesena and Cagliari.

Even against Sampdoria we started well, scored early but then we completely switched off and played like crap until we equalized, after which we showed a certain degree of determination to win the game. But it's not sufficient. Pippo hasn't been able to install a winning mentality in these players. Only very few, like Abate and De Jong, give their all for the entirety of the match. The others just switch their intensity on the pitch however it pleases them.

[han2503]

That's the problem though, isn't it? We never perform for the whole 90 minutes. We're very inconsistent. On top of playing bad, we don't display hunger and eagerness to win. Sometimes we just seem happy with a draw against the likes of Cesena and Cagliari.

Even against Sampdoria we started well, scored early but then we completely switched off and played like crap until we equalized, after which we showed a certain degree of determination to win the game. But it's not sufficient. Pippo hasn't been able to install a winning mentality in these players. Only very few, like Abate and De Jong, give their all for the entirety of the match. The others just switch their intensity on the pitch however it pleases them.

Yeah but they've always been like that.

[acid911]

That's the problem though, isn't it? We never perform for the whole 90 minutes. We're very inconsistent. On top of playing bad, we don't display hunger and eagerness to win. Sometimes we just seem happy with a draw against the likes of Cesena and Cagliari.

Even against Sampdoria we started well, scored early but then we completely switched off and played like crap until we equalized, after which we showed a certain degree of determination to win the game. But it's not sufficient. Pippo hasn't been able to install a winning mentality in these players. Only very few, like Abate and De Jong, give their all for the entirety of the match. The others just switch their intensity on the pitch however it pleases them.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[X-Offender]

Now Mediaset says we might play 4-4-1-1 with Bonaventura and SES on the wings.

[Fillipo Simone]

My suggestion is we wait until Sunday and the see the latest lineup. This is ridiculous, every few hours another lineup.

[acid911]

Well, they've got to eat, you know. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif)

[X-Offender]

My suggestion is we wait until Sunday and the see the latest lineup. This is ridiculous, every few hours another lineup.

Eh, I know. Just for killin' time.

[Danny]

My suggestion is we wait until Sunday and the see the latest lineup. This is ridiculous, every few hours another lineup.

Simone, Han, Kurt, Ash, Acid, X, Danny, MB, R7, Jack, Blue.

There. As accurate as any I'm sure.

[acid911]

Bloody brilliant. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) Though I'd swap places with Han as the CB. Oh mama!

[acid911]

Or does that make Kurt the CB? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif) Eh, it's only a lineup!

[han2503]

Simone, Han, Kurt, Ash, Acid, X, Danny, MB, R7, Jack, Blue.

There. As accurate as any I'm sure.

What formation is this? I can't get on board until I know all the facts...

And why am I the RB? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cry.gif)

[X-Offender]

I have a feeling Danny gave me Muntari's role.

[Jack Bauer]

Alex won't play, got injured in his right thigh yesterday. Like we didn't have enough problems already ..

[kurtsimonw]

Or does that make Kurt the CB? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif) Eh, it's only a lineup!

Yeah, you can swap with me. I'm no CB.

[acid911]

Yeah, you can swap with me. I'm no CB.

Oh yeah, yeah! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy.gif) Done!

[Danny]

I have a feeling Danny gave me Muntari's role.

Nah you're safe. I'm unfit and can't play any more, so I've got the Muntari role.

[Danny]

What formation is this? I can't get on board until I know all the facts...

And why am I the RB? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cry.gif)

It's 4:3:3. Because I'm the fucking manager and if you don't like your position I'll freeze you out muthaf*cka!

(So this is what it's like being Pippo)

[Danny]

Alex won't play, got injured in his right thigh yesterday. Like we didn't have enough problems already ..

Predicted defence is one of two:

Poli, Mexes, Zapata, MDS

Or Rami, Mexes, Zapata, MDS.

Because, you know, f*ck Armero.

[han2503]

Predicted defence is one of two:

Poli, Mexes, Zapata, MDS

Or Rami, Mexes, Zapata, MDS.

Because, you know, f*ck Armero.

The second one is the least horrendous so I'd go with that

[Danny]

Seeing this lineup over and over again:

Lopez, Rami, Mexes, Abate, MDS, Essien, Muntari, Bonaventura, Menez, SES, Torres

4:2:3:1

[X-Offender]

I think it's going to be a 4-4-2 with SES and Bonaventura on the wings.

EDIT: Abate isn't available, Danny.

This post has been edited by X-Offender: Nov 23 2014, 04:25 PM

[X-Offender]

Diego Lopez; Rami, Zapata, Mexes, De Sciglio; Essien, Muntari; Bonaventura, Menez, El Shaarawy; Torres

Handanovic; Nagatomo, Ranocchia, Juan Jesus, Dodò; Guarin, Obi, Kuzmanovic; Kovacic; Palacio, Icardi

[han2503]

Diego Lopez; Rami, Zapata, Mexes, De Sciglio; Essien, Muntari; Bonaventura, Menez, El Shaarawy; Torres

Handanovic; Nagatomo, Ranocchia, Juan Jesus, Dodò; Guarin, Obi, Kuzmanovic; Kovacic; Palacio, Icardi

Muntari and Essien double pivot... OH LAWD!!!!

[han2503]

My god! Muntari and Essien are going to assist an Inter player today, already starting with the awful mistakes

[han2503]

3 minutes in and I've spotted Muntari over-dribbling and losing the ball 3 times already. Zapata and DS saving him twice and he fouled the other time to save his own @ss

[William405]

Here we go with Muntari..almost cost us one.

[X-Offender]

Ladies and gentleman, Muntari.

[han2503]

FOUR TIMES!!

Muntari what a f@cking @SSHOLE!!

Top class from Lopez

[han2503]

How the f@ck can you play with this idiot in your midfield and expect to achieve anything?

[William405]

That was nasty from Muntari, WTF. Feeling bad for Dodo.

[han2503]

Muntari is having one of THOSE days. Watch him score now so people can say how importat h is for us (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[han2503]

What f@cked up formation are we playing??

[han2503]

As expected, we're completely losing the battle in midfield, how shocking

[X-Offender]

De Sciglio is the new Maldini. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[William405]

Menezzzzzzzzzzz!!!!

[han2503]

MENEZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

[han2503]

Nice move from Essien and SES

[X-Offender]

Very good goal.

[William405]

Nice move from Essien and SES

Yup..almost thought Muntari gave that pass before the commentator said it was Essien.

[William405]

That was a terrible terrible pass from Essien. Forced Mexes to get the yellow there.

[han2503]

Yup..almost thought Muntari gave that pass before the commentator said it was Essien.

Muntari wouldn't be able to do that if he and SES were the only 2 players on the pitch

[William405]

Muntari wouldn't be able to do that if he and SES were the only 2 players on the pitch

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[han2503]

That was a terrible terrible pass from Essien. Forced Mexes to get the yellow there.

Playing both him and Muntari is like playing the deluxe version of Russian roulette!

They're just huge liabilities on the ball. They hold onto it tool long, they're both crazy slow and often make bad passes

[William405]

Rami got some skills for a big man centerback! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[han2503]

Rami got some skills for a big man centerback! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Yeah, I've been impressed with him, really good so far

[han2503]

HT

Really lucky imo.

It's a competition between 2 very average teams and who f@cks up the worst and if the other can profit from it

[X-Offender]

A few thoughts:

- Rami has been very impressive as RB so far. Robust, fast, good dribbling skills and also intelligent. Wasn't expecting this at all.
- De Sciglio can't cross for sh*t. Don't get me even started on his attempts at shooting.
- Muntari is an idiot.
- Bonaventura is average. Hard-working, but very average.
- Menez would perform so much better on the wing.
- Torres is poor. As much as I want him to succeed, the guy is only a shadow of his former self. Should go play in the US or something.

Overall, decent first half. Hopefully we don't concede a stupid goal like we usually do.

[William405]

HT

Really lucky imo.

It's a competition between 2 very average teams and who f@cks up the worst and if the other can profit from it

Totally agreed. One good play and that's it. I KNOW we can be so much better with a good midfield...

Mexes showing how dominant he is, and Zapata playing well today.

[William405]

De Sciglio is the new Maldini. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

It's so disappointing, man. I don't know why, but the kid seems lost. I can't believe it's the same DS that I really felt had great tactical awareness in the defensive phase...wasn't too shabby in the attacking one too.

[han2503]

Watching the replay of Icardi's chance, Lopez wanted to massacre Muntari (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[han2503]

Totally agreed. One good play and that's it. I KNOW we can be so much better with a good midfield...

Mexes showing how dominant he is, and Zapata playing well today.

As I've said for years now, Mexes for me is our best, most tactically intelligent CB, hands down imo. The fact that he was frozen out while we've been a shambles in defence still p!sses me off to no end.

But just like he did with both Allegri and Seedorf, it seems like he's winning over Inzaghi as well now.

[han2503]

It's so disappointing, man. I don't know why, but the kid seems lost. I can't believe it's the same DS that I really felt had great tactical awareness in the defensive phase...wasn't too shabby in the attacking one too.

I still think he's good in the defensive phase personally, but his attacking game is just non-existent at this point. He just doesn't open up the play like Abate does for example with his runs, you rarely see him making a smart overlapping run. I'm starting to think he's be a better CB than a FB

[han2503]

Is it me or does Menez try to avoid passing to SES?

Just ruined a great opportunity to send SES through

[han2503]

SO CLOSE!! Bona!

[han2503]

OMG!

[William405]

Lopez beast!

[han2503]

Muntari...

I seriously cannot take watching him anymore

[han2503]

Could that have been any softer? 1-1 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[William405]

Nice clearance from Zapata!

[han2503]

We'll end up losing this at this rate

We need someone with an actual brain in that midfield

[han2503]

SOO many bad passes in our midfield!! WTF are they doing.

Menez, Muntari and Essien!

[han2503]

Mexes is playing out of his skin to keep us in this

[William405]

Menez should never take freekicks.

[han2503]

Muntari is absolutely diabolical today!

[han2503]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[han2503]

Muntari finally off. 80+ minutes too late (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[William405]

FUCKKKK SHARAAAWY

[Guest_Suhail 3_*]

Inzaghi's reaction summed that up

[X-Offender]

SES with the biggest fuckup of the century.

[han2503]

I guess that balances things out, Icardi copied the same f@ckup on the other side

[Guest_Suhail 3_*]

how I miss Ibrahimovic upfront

[han2503]

I am so over this BS!

[han2503]

Menez's tendency to hold onto the ball for 5 to 7 seconds longer than necessary is so f@cking irritating!!!! I just want to scream!

Lopez is such a cowboy (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Poli so close

[William405]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[han2503]

FT

As usual, mediocre, mistake prone, pitiful performance.

Inter weren't much better, all in all, fair result

[acid911]

Can't wait for Danny's ratings. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Should be infinitely more interesting than the match that I just saw!

[X-Offender]

Lopez - 7 - Very secure in his interventions. Couldn't do anything on the goal.
Mexes - 6 - Alright performance.
Zapata - 6 - Same as Mexes.
Rami - 7 - Excellent display on the right. MoM in my opinion.
MDS - 5.5 - Defensively he's not that impressive. Offensively he's a nightmare.
Essien - 6 - I thought he was OK, a bit shaky at times.
Muntari - 4.5 - Idiot.
Bonaventura - 5.5 - Hard-worker, but he's the epitome of average.
Menez - 6 - And that's only for the goal. I can't stand this selfish pr*ck any longer. He doesn't pass, and when he does he takes forever. You're not Messi, son, get over it.
El Shaarawy - 5.5 - I could very well give him a 4 for that abysmal miss, but even so he's just the same SES. All talk and no walk.
Torres - 5 - Just plain bad.
Honda - 5.5 - See Bonaventura.
Poli - 6 - OK.

What to say, this is Pippo's Milan. We're knee-deep in mediocrity, I just don't know what to except for the rest of the season.

[han2503]

Lopez - 7 - Very secure in his interventions. Couldn't do anything on the goal.
Mexes - 6 - Alright performance.
Zapata - 6 - Same as Mexes.
Rami - 7 - Excellent display on the right. MoM in my opinion.
MDS - 5.5 - Defensively he's not that impressive. Offensively he's a nightmare.
Essien - 6 - I thought he was OK, a bit shaky at times.
Muntari - 4.5 - Idiot.
Bonaventura - 5.5 - Hard-worker, but he's the epitome of average.
Menez - 6 - And that's only for the goal. I can't stand this selfish pr*ck any longer. He doesn't pass, and when he does he takes forever. You're not Messi, son, get over it.
El Shaarawy - 5.5 - I could very well give him a 4 for that abysmal miss, but even so he's just the same SES. All talk and no walk.
Torres - 5 - Just plain bad.
Honda - 5.5 - See Bonaventura.
Poli - 6 - OK.

What to say, this is Pippo's Milan. We're knee-deep in mediocrity, I just don't know what to except for the rest of the season.

More mediocre to average performances.

When was the last time we even won? Verona?

As for the ratings, I agree with them in general, Muntari's should be lower, he barely deserves a 3. So lucky Icardi didn't score when he once again f@cked up what should have been a simple pass. I mean how many times does he have to do this before Pippo realises what a complete and total liability this idiot it?

Also, Mexes, he was just phenomenal imo, he was everywhere and made so many crucial interceptions that I lost count.

Zapata was pretty good as well, which imo reinforces my theory that he just needs someone strong and tactically smart next to him to really prosper.

Rami was also top notch, and I also thought DS was great.

All in all I think for once we can say the defence was good, while ever other area was abysmal. The decision to start with both Muntari and Essien was already a huge handicap that we had to overcome before the match even kicked off.

And the 4-4-1-1 formation was just stupid on so many levels as well

[Danny]

I think it's going to be a 4-4-2 with SES and Bonaventura on the wings.

EDIT: Abate isn't available, Danny.

I know, meant to type Zapata there, no idea why I put in Abate!

[Danny]

This match summed up where Milan and Inter are now. Ever see Grudge Match? Two old boxers who no one cares about slugging it out trying to relive their glory days? That's us. The entertainment was decent but the quality apart from the goals was pretty poor.

Ratings:

Lopez 7 Fine display, superb early save from Icardi. Has now affirmed himself our deserved number one.

Rami 8 Where the f*ck did that come from? He was outstanding. Decent at the back and absolutely wonderful in the middle and up top. Pippo got that one spot on.

Mexes 5 Some lapses and got away with a red card inside the first minute. Past it.

Zapata 7 Some excellent positional sense and clearing headers, plus more than one sprints and vital last-ditch blocks to save Mexes' *ss.

MDS 5 Oddly he's just not good on the left now. Offers zero both up front or defensively on the left.

Essien 6 He was ok - didn't do anything wrong, and seems to have gotten over his ghastly start to life in Milan.

Muntari 6 One bad pass aside, he didn't do a lot wrong either and indeed got in a few essential blocks in midfield.

Bona 6 Hard working as always but wasted on the flank. Just can't affect the game wide.

Menez 6 Superb goal, really superb, but not a lot else.

SES 4 Thought his corker v Samp would be his confidence back - no chance. Utterly rubbish and he just continues to fail.

Torres 0 No comment.

Pippo 6 Started with a f*cked up team and I was all over him but it worked far better than we expected and he didn't hang around to make changes. Unfortunately his changes weren't very good. But he gets the 6 for Rami and the fact we did show a bit of passion.

As X says though, this is what Milan is now - a mediocre midtable team with no pretentions of Europe. Until Silvio sells or invests it's not going to change.