[han2503]

Who: S.S. Lazio vs. A.C. Milan



(IMG:http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah232/hannvis/milan-lazio_zpsad83c7b6.png)



Where: Stadio Olimpico Rome



(IMG:http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah232/hannvis/StadioOlimpico_zpsbc73ed5d.jpg)



When:
1st November 2015 @ 8:45pm CET


Head-to-Head Record



(IMG:http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah232/hannvis/Milan-Lazio%20Stats_zpsnrcodi9s.png)



Serie A Form Guide:
Milan: LLDWW
Lazio: WWLWL

[han2503]

Well since no one seem to be here for the game...


(IMG:http://data.whicdn.com/images/34796679/large.gif)

[Nova]

not many peeps here :-)

[X-Offender]

Ta!

[X-Offender]

If we win tonight we'll be 5th.

[Nova]

If we win tonight we'll be 5th.

Crazy fact considering the points we lost. With a slightly better squad we would be competing for top spot.

[Nova]

Han , is there a way to intregrate my streaming link into a real player on Milanfan ?

[nuh]

If we win tonight we'll be 5th.

Its crazy thinking about the points we lost...but looking at it carefully apart from genoa we dropped points to good teams

[Nova]

http://milanfan.better-than.tv:5005/stream.flv

Channel is BT Sport. If quality issues , let me know. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/king.gif)

[han2503]

Han , is there a way to intregrate my streaming link into a real player on Milanfan ?

I don't think there's a way we can embed it if that's what you're asking(? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) )

[han2503]

Its crazy thinking about the points we lost...but looking at it carefully apart from genoa we dropped points to good teams

Still think there were games where we should have done better imo.


Thanks for the stream Nova!! Will be watching on my own sat, but it's raining here so I might switch to yours if it keeps acting up

[Nova]

I don't think there's a way we can embed it if that's what you're asking(? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) )

Yes , it was :-)

[han2503]

Yes , it was :-)

Nah, can't even embed youtube vids on here as far as I know

[han2503]

Bleh, we're playing in those god awful green and yellow kits (IMG:style_emoticons/default/puke.gif)

[han2503]

Donnarumma's decision making when coming out is worrying

[Nova]

Why is Cerci playing again ?

[Nova]

*Double post

This post has been edited by Nova: Nov 1 2015, 09:11 PM

[han2503]

BERTOLACCI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Nova]

GOAL BERTOLACCI

[han2503]

Why is Cerci playing again ?

Was thinking the same thing when he came in with that shot (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[milanbuf88]

I just got home to watch just in time to see Bertolacci score! Thanks for the stream Nova!!

[Nova]

Was thinking the same thing when he came in with that shot (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Commentator just said he scored his last goal in April last year ...

[han2503]

Damn, Alex seems to be having trouble

[han2503]

Kucka the weakest link atm

[Nova]

I just got home to watch just in time to see Bertolacci score! Thanks for the stream Nova!!

You're welcome, hope it stays ok

[milanbuf88]

Kucka the weakest link atm

Poli deserves a look in that slot.

[milanbuf88]

You're welcome, hope it stays ok

It has had intermittent glitches but pretty good for the most part for me.

[han2503]

Berto has to come off

Poli coming on, I know it's terrible to say this but I wish that was Kucka...

[Nova]

It has had intermittent glitches but pretty good for the most part for me.

I see it too now. I'll see if there is a better channel during HT

[han2503]

Heart attack central!!

[han2503]

NOO!!

Off the post from Cerci!

What a pass from Monto there

[milanbuf88]

Wow. So close by Cerci

[han2503]

Damn! Just needed a bit more bend to it and it would have gone in

[X-Offender]

Kucka is the new Muntari.

[milanbuf88]

Kucka has been pretty bad but unfortunately I don't think Honda or Suso would do any better.

[han2503]

HT Really good first half imo

We were the better team, really smart approach imo.

Monto has been really great so far as well, his best game this season imo

[han2503]

Kucka is the new Muntari.

Yep, so slow, seems completely disinterested and just tactically limited as a player.

Poli should have started instead of him

Too bad Berto got injured as he was playing well and we could have still have brought on Poli for Kucka later, now only De Jong and Mauri are our options instead. Tbh I'd slot in either of them instead of him, he's a ghost

[X-Offender]

Yep, so slow, seems completely disinterested and just tactically limited as a player.

Poli should have started instead of him

Too bad Berto got injured as he was playing well and we could have still have brought on Poli for Kucka later, now only De Jong and Mauri are our options instead. Tbh I'd slot in either of them instead of him, he's a ghost

Poli is just as bad.

I want to see Jose Mauri.

[han2503]

Poli is just as bad.

I want to see Jose Mauri.

At least Poli works for the team, he's not the most gifted player but he does his best, Kucka just runs around aimlessly, I don't think he even touched the ball more than 5 times in the first 20 minutes, so much so that I forgot he was even on there

I think Mauri is a bit too green to come into this one while it's at such a delicate moment. I'd personally prefer De Jong, just give him specific instructions to break up play, pass the ball on to Monto, no running around like a crazy person like he did when he last played on the side

[maldini03]

I really hope we can hang on to this one. The team is playing pretty well. I missed the first 15 or so minutes, but for me Cerci seems to be playing better than usual, there seems to be some chemistry for the team going forward

[han2503]

Why the f@ck is Donnarumma starting over Lopez again??

Can someone enlighten me?

Alex nearly having his head taken out while our keeper fumbles, looks serious

[han2503]

Mexes coming on, I hope he's in shape. Damn just when we were starting to look a bit more stable in defence

[han2503]

MEXES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[han2503]

Unbelievable!!!

First touch!

[milanbuf88]

Mexes!!!!

[han2503]

Wow, Bona can seriously whip them in! Why hasn't he been taking all our set-pieces before?

[milanbuf88]

Wow, Bona can seriously whip them in! Why hasn't he been taking all our set-pieces before?

He's been taking the corners all season.

[maldini03]

Bona is playing awesome today, love that flip flap.

[milanbuf88]

Nova, the stream has gotten pretty glitchy. Is that on my end or the stream itself?

[Nova]

Nova, the stream has gotten pretty glitchy. Is that on my end or the stream itself?

I'll try a different channel. Will go of for 15 seconds

[han2503]

He's been taking the corners all season.

Not all of them, and same with the free-kicks, sometimes Monto takes them, but Bona just whips them in better, same thing with last season, don't remember him taking much set-pieces

[milanbuf88]

I'll try a different channel. Will go of for 15 seconds

The new channel has been perfect. Thanks!

[han2503]

Hmm, first occasion where we let them really run through our midfield, good save there and the defence did well to step up for the offside

[milanbuf88]

Not all of them, and same with the free-kicks, sometimes Monto takes them, but Bona just whips them in better, same thing with last season, don't remember him taking much set-pieces

Maybe I just only remember Jack's corners because they are the good ones haha. I agree he should take them more often. Only Balo is more effective but only as a shot taker.

This post has been edited by milanbuf88: Nov 1 2015, 10:19 PM

[maldini03]

Monto has been playing extremely well these past few games, today he is continuing that trend. Donnaruma's play style reminds me of Neuer, very eager to play outside of the box

[milanbuf88]

Nice to see Roma and Mexes excited to work together.

[han2503]

BACCA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[han2503]

Great goal!!

[maldini03]

Bacca!!! What a pass from Bona, that's as cool as a cucumber. What a great game from the team today!

[milanbuf88]

What a pass by Bona! Quickly becoming my favorite player in this Milan. Such a cool finish by Bacca! Glad to see his hard work pay off.

[Nova]

The new channel has been perfect. Thanks!

You're welcome mate

[han2503]

Damn no clean sheet

[han2503]

Getting beaten at your near post like that...

Also think DS should have done better to close him down there

[milanbuf88]

Donnaruma should have done better on that. Growing pains to be expected with a 16 year old though.

[han2503]

Donnaruma should have done better on that. Growing pains to be expected with a 16 year old though.

That's why you should play the top class keeper warming the bench (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[milanbuf88]

That's why you should play the top class keeper warming the bench (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Does anyone know the details of why Lopez has been benched? To be honest I don't mind Donnarumma getting some playing time. He hasn't cost the team points yet and he is clearly the future at keeper. I hope this motivates Lopez to come back playing at his best.

[maldini03]

Miha wanted a change 3 games ago and so he played Donna, since he has playing well and we have been winning he hasn't changed the team and Donna has kept the spot.

I don't think there was a specific reason given as to original switch

This post has been edited by maldini03: Nov 1 2015, 10:36 PM

[milanbuf88]

Honda might be the weakest player I've ever seen. He gets shoved off every single time there is a shoulder to shoulder battle.

[han2503]

FT

3 points. Great performance, not keeping a clean sheet being the only sour note today.

Just a bit of laziness there after scoring the 3rd, we seemed to have switched off for a minute as Monto went off with that thigh problem and we conceded

[milanbuf88]

FT 3-1. Great win. Not a flawless performance but definitely the best I've seen us play this season. It's great to see the guys celebrating together. Hopefully it signals the growing of a true team spirit we haven't seen in years.

[maldini03]

Honda might be the weakest player I've ever seen. He gets shoved off every single time there is a shoulder to shoulder battle.

Yeah its time for him to go, now that he is firmly entrenched on the bench he plays with zero energy, it looks like he doesn't enjoy being a sub and he wants to leave.

[X-Offender]

We just had to concede.

Nevertheless, good performance and fantastic result. The guys were clearly tired in the last 20 minutes or so having pressed the opponent for the whole game. That's what I really liked about tonight. A lot of spirit and desire to win, constant pressing and quick plays. Many mistakes as well, but that's for granted given the quality of some players.

So, three wins in a row. Who would have thought. Now we're 5th. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[X-Offender]

Also, can I assume that Inter's win last night might have played a minor part in today's performance? If they could win against Roma, why can't we win against Lazio? I'd like to think that.

[nuh]

only 5 points away from first, who would of thought

[han2503]

Does anyone know the details of why Lopez has been benched? To be honest I don't mind Donnarumma getting some playing time. He hasn't cost the team points yet and he is clearly the future at keeper. I hope this motivates Lopez to come back playing at his best.

I personally don't see anything in him to suggest that he could be our future keeper, seems very awkward, and maybe that might be his height, but he seems to make a lot of strange decisions, not to mention a couple of butter finger moments where he let the ball slip through his fingers both today and on Wednesday. He was very slow to react on the goal today as well

Miha I think is just being stubborn about this, him hitting out at the press because they criticised Donnarumma and his decision to play him over Lopez says it all to me. The only way I can see him relenting on this and admitting to being wrong is when Donnarumma makes a really bad mistake that will cost us points. Until then I get the feeling that Miha will be a stubborn @sshole about this.

Playing someone who causes the defenders to get nervous about what the keeper will be doing is not really conducive to getting our defence to play better

[milanbuf88]

Yeah its time for him to go, now that he is firmly entrenched on the bench he plays with zero energy, it looks like he doesn't enjoy being a sub and he wants to leave.

The links to Tottenham have gotten my hopes up. I wish him no misfortune but it clearly hasn't worked out for him here. I can't imagine his PR and commercial potential is worth keeping him around if he can't break into the first XI. Any money from his sale can go toward a better right midfield or right wing option.

[X-Offender]

The links to Tottenham have gotten my hopes up. I wish him no misfortune but it clearly hasn't worked out for him here. I can't imagine his PR and commercial potential is worth keeping him around if he can't break into the first XI. Any money from his sale can go toward a better right midfield or right wing option.

Witsel!

[X-Offender]

I personally don't see anything in him to suggest that he could be our future keeper, seems very awkward, and maybe that might be his height, but he seems to make a lot of strange decisions, not to mention a couple of butter finger moments where he let the ball slip through his fingers both today and on Wednesday. He was very slow to react on the goal today as well

Miha I think is just being stubborn about this, him hitting out at the press because they criticised Donnarumma and his decision to play him over Lopez says it all to me. The only way I can see him relenting on this and admitting to being wrong is when Donnarumma makes a really bad mistake that will cost us points. Until then I get the feeling that Miha will be a stubborn @sshole about this.

Playing someone who causes the defenders to get nervous about what the keeper will be doing is not really conducive to getting our defence to play better

To be honest, for a guy who's only 16 he's been frigging awesome. And I don't agree with you. He gives me assurance, especially when it comes to playing the ball with his feet, something Lopez is terrible at.

Still, I think Lopez didn't deserve to be dropped.

[milanbuf88]

I personally don't see anything in him to suggest that he could be our future keeper, seems very awkward, and maybe that might be his height, but he seems to make a lot of strange decisions, not to mention a couple of butter finger moments where he let the ball slip through his fingers both today and on Wednesday. He was very slow to react on the goal today as well

Miha I think is just being stubborn about this, him hitting out at the press because they criticised Donnarumma and his decision to play him over Lopez says it all to me. The only way I can see him relenting on this and admitting to being wrong is when Donnarumma makes a really bad mistake that will cost us points. Until then I get the feeling that Miha will be a stubborn @sshole about this.

Playing someone who causes the defenders to get nervous about what the keeper will be doing is not really conducive to getting our defence to play better

Han, he's 16. He's pretty clearly already better than Abbiati is at this point in his career. No, he's not perfect and has a couple nervous moments but I could count on one hand the number of goal keepers in the world that would give me complete confidence that they don't have a mistake in them. I also see no evidence that his presence between the posts makes the defenders nervous in any way. Quite the opposite as his run has been during some of the best defensize displays of the season. He's not ready to be the full time starter but we'd be crazy to not give him some game time to develop. Lopez can wait until that massive error to take over.

[milanbuf88]

Witsel!

Imagining him in Kucka's spot makes me salivate. It would turn a weakness into a strength instantly.

[han2503]

FT 3-1. Great win. Not a flawless performance but definitely the best I've seen us play this season. It's great to see the guys celebrating together. Hopefully it signals the growing of a true team spirit we haven't seen in years.

I would go so far as to say that it's the best performance I've seen from this team in years. This was the first game where I was self assured when watching that we were in control and were going to stay that way, I wasn't constantly expecting us to concede once we got the first goal, I wasn't constantly on edge waiting for the next person to f@ck up.

I got a bit edgy when Alex had to come off considering Mexes hasn't played in a while but he did very well and he seems like he can do just as well next to Romagnoli considering Alex's fitness issues it's a good thing to know, as imo neither Zapata, nor Ely should ever be trusted to start again unless we're with our backs to the wall.

We just had to concede.

Nevertheless, good performance and fantastic result. The guys were clearly tired in the last 20 minutes or so having pressed the opponent for the whole game. That's what I really liked about tonight. A lot of spirit and desire to win, constant pressing and quick plays. Many mistakes as well, but that's for granted given the quality of some players.

So, three wins in a row. Who would have thought. Now we're 5th. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I think it was a bit of laziness as well there rather than just being tired. We had just closed out the game with the third, Monto was off the pitch, and they seemed to have switched off for a minute. DS was too slow to close down and Donnarumma was too slow to react and got beaten at his near post. The goal was 100% avoidable, but aside from that I really think this is as near as perfect a performance that we can expect from this bunch

Sure there were a couple of other mistakes, but not to the extent that we saw against Chievo for example where we couldn't even complete the most simple of plays.

Also, can I assume that Inter's win last night might have played a minor part in today's performance? If they could win against Roma, why can't we win against Lazio? I'd like to think that.

Who knows, really think Inter have been riding their luck a lot this season, will be interesting to see how things play out. Wondering if Juve will get their acts together as well. That last gasp winner against Toro could be a huge turning point for them

only 5 points away from first, who would of thought

This last month has really been great for us, and we really turned it around especially after we hit rock bottom against Napoli, I never would have imaged that we'd manage to go on a good run like this especially beating Sassuolo and Lazio who are notoriously difficult teams for us (at least over these past 2 or 3 years). I don't even remember the last time we won at the Olimpico, against either Roman side

[han2503]

To be honest, for a guy who's only 16 he's been frigging awesome. And I don't agree with you. He gives me assurance, especially when it comes to playing the ball with his feet, something Lopez is terrible at.

Still, I think Lopez didn't deserve to be dropped.

I actually think Lopez is pretty good with his feet. Abbiati was the one that gave me a coronary anytime he played the ball out, I don't remember Lopez putting the team under pressure with his kicks

And I disagree about Donnarumma. I just don't see it, slow reactions, unsure hands and questionable decision making in terms of when to come off his line and when to stay.

Lopez absolutely needs to start against Atalanta next Saturday imo

[han2503]

Han, he's 16. He's pretty clearly already better than Abbiati is at this point in his career. No, he's not perfect and has a couple nervous moments but I could count on one hand the number of goal keepers in the world that would give me complete confidence that they don't have a mistake in them. I also see no evidence that his presence between the posts makes the defenders nervous in any way. Quite the opposite as his run has been during some of the best defensize displays of the season. He's not ready to be the full time starter but we'd be crazy to not give him some game time to develop. Lopez can wait until that massive error to take over.

I know I sound harsh, but for me the keeper position is not one you mess around with, we can still give him a chance in Coppa games and friendlies, or if Lopez gets injured, but to keep Lopez on the bench for me is inexcusable.

And yes, we have been a lot better defensively since he's been starting but that's because Miha has finally given the walking talking liability that is Zapata the chop and therefore there is no one gifting our opponents with opportunities plus we have an actual leader in defence in Alex or Mexes which Zapata clearly isn't. Donnarumma has benefitted from that as we've limited the amount of chances we allow on our goal a lot since Alex has been starting next to Romagnoli.

There were moments today when Donnarumma came out when he shouldn't have which created confusion between him and the defenders, which is what I'm talking about when saying that the CBs should be able to trust their keeper and not be worried about whether he's going to come out and create situations which aren't exactly ideal

[X-Offender]

You're seeing things that don't exist, Han. Age aside, Donnarumma has been pretty solid so far. Yes, Berardi's goal last week was on his side, but so was Torino's goal in Lopez's case.

The kid seems confident, he's very good with his feet and has made no apparent errors. I repeat that Lopez didn't deserve being dropped, but I can also say with full confidence that Donnarumma so far has replaced him brilliantly.

[Fillipo Simone]

Han, those are rookie mistakes, something a 16 year old keeper will make by default. And saying "you don't see it in him" after 3 games is just unfair, harsh and premature. He's been rated highly by people inside of Milan who surely know him much better and can asses his development. So, I'd rather you restrain you comments on the shown 3 matches and not give such ultimate/definitive assessments.

That being said, Donnarumma didn't look especially confident today. As Han said, he made a few very strange and surprising decisions, I'm not sure if this is some kind of Neuer-effect Milan is trying to pull off.

I think playing Lopez is a no-brainer. Dannarumma will most probably soon make a few big mistakes, cost us points, and then his confidence will be completely shaken after being dropped. So, Lopez should get the start.

[Forza Milan!]

Managed to catch the last half hour and I agree that we appeared more "solid" than I have seen in past games (good to know that we were doing even better earlier in the game). Also, it looks like we have found answers defensively, hopefully Miha will get his head out of wherever it has been and keep playing either Alex or Mexes with Romagnoli (will stay out of the Donnarumma debate (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) ). Would be nice to get a real midfield one of these days ...

This post has been edited by Forza Milan!: Nov 2 2015, 12:09 AM

[X-Offender]

Top and flop, anyone?

Top for me definitely was Bonaventura. It's been a while now that he's our best player. Lots and lots of running, but also lots of quality. Montolivo was also really good. I have to take back what I said about him before. The guy can definitely play good if he's in shape and the team performs.

Flop would be either Kucka or Poli. They're both just so mediocre. They don't really add much other than plain bulk in midfield.

[Fillipo Simone]

Bonaventura was good, but he kind off always reminds you mediocre he's by himself, doesn't he? On a good day, he scores or makes an assist. But individually looking, he's just taking too many tries, from shots to passes.

My top would be Cerci. He was the most dangerous player out there. Flop? I'd say MDS. Did nothing up front while the Lazio goal came from his side.

I thought Kucka wasn't half as bad. Limited and mediocre, sure. But he still tries in all departments, unlike Poli. What's with NdJ? He's injured or just benched?

[han2503]

You're seeing things that don't exist, Han. Age aside, Donnarumma has been pretty solid so far. Yes, Berardi's goal last week was on his side, but so was Torino's goal in Lopez's case.

The kid seems confident, he's very good with his feet and has made no apparent errors. I repeat that Lopez didn't deserve being dropped, but I can also say with full confidence that Donnarumma so far has replaced him brilliantly.

Let’s just agree to disagree on this one as we clearly won’t see eye to eye on it. I just don’t feel comfortable with him in goal atm, as I said, he can still be given valuable minutes in Coppa games and friendlies, but other than that I just don’t think that he should be starting important Serie A games.

He made a mistake on Berardi’s goal, made a mistake yesterday imo as well getting beaten at the near post like that, had a few moments where he jumped to catch the ball on set-pieces and let it slip through his fingers and also had moments where he raced off his line which created problems in defence. I personally don’t classify that as solid and I’d just rather have the top keeper that’s warming the bench playing instead of a 16 year old.

Han, those are rookie mistakes, something a 16 year old keeper will make by default. And saying "you don't see it in him" after 3 games is just unfair, harsh and premature. He's been rated highly by people inside of Milan who surely know him much better and can asses his development. So, I'd rather you restrain you comments on the shown 3 matches and not give such ultimate/definitive assessments.

That being said, Donnarumma didn't look especially confident today. As Han said, he made a few very strange and surprising decisions, I'm not sure if this is some kind of Neuer-effect Milan is trying to pull off.

I think playing Lopez is a no-brainer. Dannarumma will most probably soon make a few big mistakes, cost us points, and then his confidence will be completely shaken after being dropped. So, Lopez should get the start.

I’m not jumping to any conclusions, it’s not like I made a factual statement saying that I think he’s a bad keeper. I just said I personally don’t see it in him, not from what I’ve seen so far. Granted he’s only 16 so I could be wrong, but atm I’m not seeing any special talent that is out of the ordinary in keepers of his age range.

He hasn’t really had much of anything to do since he’s been starting, like I said, his starts coincided with Miha finally fixing that defensive issue we had by playing the best pairing that he could and we limited the amount of opportunities our opponents have on goal drastically. He hasn’t really been truly tested in these last 4 games and when he was called upon against both Sassuolo and Lazio, he failed

Like I said, I’m not condemning the kid and I acknowledge that I do sound harsh here, but I just don’t think he should be starting in such important games for us. I don’t think he’s ready and I don’t think we should risk points by playing him. Who knows, maybe he’ll be the next great Italian keeper, but atm, Lopez should be starting

Managed to catch the last half hour and I agree that we appeared more "solid" than I have seen in past games (good to know that we were doing even better earlier in the game). Also, it looks like we have found answers defensively, hopefully Miha will get his head out of wherever it has been and keep playing either Alex or Mexes with Romagnoli (will stay out of the Donnarumma debate (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) ). Would be nice to get a real midfield one of these days ...

I think Bertolacci and Monto will continue to grow as the season goes on imo, I’m not saying they’re great but I think for Serie A in general they’re okay, we’re mostly missing that really good box-to-box guy on the other side of Monto, had we gotten Witsel like we should have instead of swooping in for Kucka, I think we’d really be able to see our midfield gaining momentum by this point, Kucka is a very big weak link in the side, but atm, I don’t really see anyone capable of replacing him aside from Poli who’s only slightly better.

I really hope that we can still try to go for him this winter, or at least for someone with similar qualities.

Top and flop, anyone?

Top for me definitely was Bonaventura. It's been a while now that he's our best player. Lots and lots of running, but also lots of quality. Montolivo was also really good. I have to take back what I said about him before. The guy can definitely play good if he's in shape and the team performs.

Flop would be either Kucka or Poli. They're both just so mediocre. They don't really add much other than plain bulk in midfield.

Top for me has to be Monto, Bona was great as well, but the way Monto controlled that midfield for us was the key to the win.

Flop has to go to Kucka, just completely anonymous for the majority of the game

[han2503]

Bonaventura was good, but he kind off always reminds you mediocre he's by himself, doesn't he? On a good day, he scores or makes an assist. But individually looking, he's just taking too many tries, from shots to passes.

My top would be Cerci. He was the most dangerous player out there. Flop? I'd say MDS. Did nothing up front while the Lazio goal came from his side.

I thought Kucka wasn't half as bad. Limited and mediocre, sure. But he still tries in all departments, unlike Poli. What's with NdJ? He's injured or just benched?

I disagree about Bona, I’ve always said before now that he’s more a quantity player rather than a quality one.

But this season, especially these last few games he’s really shown a lot of quality as well. He’s scored goals, made assists, has really improved our set-piece usage. I’ve personally been really impressed. He made 2 assists yesterday plus has a couple more already this season, I personally think that he’s been improving with each game and I’m expecting him to keep doing so considering the trajectory of his performances as of late. And even individually the way he holds onto the ball and dribbles is also an area where he’s improved a lot and he’s looking like a really quality player imo

As for Cerci, there’s no question that was his best game in a Milan shirt, really good performance, started slowly but really started to cause problems for Lazio as the match wore on. I still can’t wait to have Menez back as imo he’s on another level, but for now Cerci is finally playing decently and I’m okay with him starting if he continues to play like he did yesterday

Kucka for me was missing for the majority of the game, I find him really lazy and uninterested. At least Poli works harder for the team and it’s not like there’s some big gap in quality between them, I’d personally prefer Poli over him

As for De Jong, I think Miha sees it as an either or situation with him and Monto, I had hoped he’d try him out in a Gattuso type role, but when he did play him on Monto’s side, he played as a box-to-box players instead of a destroyer role, which obviously didn’t work, so as long as Monto is playing so well and is fit, I don’t think De jong is being considered as an option which is a shame as he’s one of our best players imo

[X-Offender]

I disagree about Bona, I’ve always said before now that he’s more a quantity player rather than a quality one.

But this season, especially these last few games he’s really shown a lot of quality as well. He’s scored goals, made assists, has really improved our set-piece usage. I’ve personally been really impressed. He made 2 assists yesterday plus has a couple more already this season, I personally think that he’s been improving with each game and I’m expecting him to keep doing so considering the trajectory of his performances as of late. And even individually the way he holds onto the ball and dribbles is also an area where he’s improved a lot and he’s looking like a really quality player imo

Yeah, agreed. Bona might not be Kakà, but I think it's harsh calling him mediocre. He's improved a lot this season, and if he can keep up this level of performances then he's going to exceed everyone's expectations.

[X-Offender]

Oh, and Bonaventura is the main assist man in the league so far with 5 assists. Bacca has scored 6 goals, just like Insigne and Kalinic. Only Eder and Higuain have scored more (8).

[han2503]

Agreed about Bona, undoubtedly one of our best players this season and last season as well.

As for those stats, it really irks that we didn't get that one other great mid that we needed this summer, it would have made all the difference imo. Especially considering how inconsistent all the other teams are this season, to start out like we did and still be within touching distance of 1st place says it all.

Sure we needed a great AM and possible also another great CB as well, but that one other mid would have been truly the difference maker for us. And it'€™s such a shame that once again Galliani failed and not only did he not provide this team with what it needed but also did what he always does when desperate, saddled us with more baggage like Kucka after wasting an entire summer trying to offload his previous similar mistakes

[Danny]

First time in over a year (or more) I've felt genuine hope and happiness about Milan.

It's not the Milan of old - they're gone, but at last I am starting to see a plan, a vision, a formation, and performances which give indication that this squad isn't a total shambles.

The defence is starting to look robust - no coincidence our best run sees Abate at RB (our one failure yesterday saw MDS let his man ruin the clean sheet), Antonelli at LB, and a settled central defence of Alex and Romagnoli. I'm happy with that and long may it continue.

Midfield was good, very good - Kucka aside. Monto played like Monto - he needs to keep that sh*t up. Berto was ok - productive and in the right place to get the goal. Pity about his injury but we were no weaker with Poli on.

And attack was f*cking superb - Cerci kept his brilliant form going and really should have scored, Bacca's goal was sumptuous, but what can you say about Jack? POTS so far IMO, Bacca aside, He's been colossal and epitomises this new Milan era - works hard, isn't as good as a Kaka, but has moments where you think he is, and never stops fighting.

I also don't think I've screamed as loud for a Milan goal in years - when Mexes banged it in with his first touch, it was just brilliant.

I'm satisfied that we might finally be going somewhere now, and I really hope Alex is ok and can continue for the next match.

3 wins, one draw, 3 conceded, 7 scored, and 6th in the table.

Better. Much better. Keep it up.

[han2503]

Btw, Bona is suspended for the next game (yellow accumulation) and we could be missing all of Abate, Bertolacci and Alex through injury

[X-Offender]

I don't really mind Abate and Alex cos De Sciglio and Mexes should be able to replace them, but no Bertolacci and Bona will be a blow.

[han2503]

I don't really mind Abate and Alex cos De Sciglio and Mexes should be able to replace them, but no Bertolacci and Bona will be a blow.

Wonder who will be replacing Bona mostly...

Might actually see a Cerci-Bacca-Honda attack..........

[X-Offender]

Wonder who will be replacing Bona mostly...

Might actually see a Cerci-Bacca-Honda attack..........

That's what we're gonna see I'm afraid.

[Fillipo Simone]

Honda? What would Honda do other then another bad performance. No, I think it's time to give Suso another try. And where's Balotelli?

[han2503]

Honda? What would Honda do other then another bad performance. No, I think it's time to give Suso another try. And where's Balotelli?

Well, not saying what I would personally like, but that's what I think will happen, hopefully he does give Suso a try but we're really going to miss Bona in there considering all the work he does as a midfielder as well

Balo is injured