[I_Rossoneri]

LOL, there's not much Allegri could have done. He played the best possible formation. You should consider the fact that 70% of how a team performs is due to the players and not the coach. Tonight, we rarely played long balls, which is a novelty. We dominated Tottenham for 90 minutes, and we had about 4-5 real goal opportunities. We didn't win because 1) our most important player was asleep the entire match, and 2) we didn't capitalize our chances to score. Could have we played better? Of course. But given the circumstances, I think we're leaving the competition with dignity.

I think you mean 1) Our most important player yet again choked in a big game (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Zed.D]

I think we (and Italian sides in general) are finding it harder and harder to play EPL and Spanish teams, especially the former. Carlo's team lost to Arsenal. Leo's lost to Man U. Allegri's lost to Spurs. anyone sees the pattern?

Italian teams need to change their playing style and adapt something similar to what all the other leagues (France, Spain, Germany, England) play. less slower/defensive, and more faster/free-floating football. it may sound stupid but I really think that's where the problem lies especially since as I mentioned before, problem with the Italian sides is NOT the lack of quality players.

I can't see how possibly Italian football can change its style, though. future looks dark. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) we've already lost our 4th CL spot (deservedly so) and are getting worse every season in Europe.

[I_Rossoneri]

I think we (and Italian sides in general) are finding it harder and harder to play EPL and Spanish teams, especially the former. Carlo's team lost to Arsenal. Leo's lost to Man U. Allegri's lost to Spurs. anyone sees the pattern?

Italian teams need to change their playing style and adapt something similar to what all the other leagues (France, Spain, Germany, England) play. less slower/defensive, and more faster/free-floating football. it may sound stupid but I really think that's where the problem lies especially since as I mentioned before, problem with the Italian sides is NOT the lack of quality players.

I can't see how possibly Italian football can change its style, though. future looks dark. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) we've already lost our 4th CL spot (deservedly so) and are getting worse every season in Europe.

Fast and free flowing football? Over 180 mins of footbal and hardly a shot on goal by both English teams! It seems they've taken catanaccio to new levels. Ironically had Milan adopted such tactics we'd be labelled as typical Italians with negative, boring tactics. Spurs and Arsenal though, are praised for stout defensive work (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

And don't forget, it was only a couple of years ago when we humiliated Manu(twice I believe), and it was only under Leo that Manu got their first win in San Siro in over 20 years or something! The problems we have are 1) Allegri is still a rookie coach with a lot to learn and 2) our team needs strengthening. We have some very good players but some of our 'big' name players choke in the big games. We need to get some quality players in the summer if we want to progress next year.

[dst]

I think we (and Italian sides in general) are finding it harder and harder to play EPL and Spanish teams, especially the former. Carlo's team lost to Arsenal. Leo's lost to Man U. Allegri's lost to Spurs. anyone sees the pattern?

Italian teams need to change their playing style and adapt something similar to what all the other leagues (France, Spain, Germany, England) play. less slower/defensive, and more faster/free-floating football. it may sound stupid but I really think that's where the problem lies especially since as I mentioned before, problem with the Italian sides is NOT the lack of quality players.

I can't see how possibly Italian football can change its style, though. future looks dark. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) we've already lost our 4th CL spot (deservedly so) and are getting worse every season in Europe.

Though when we lost to Arsenal and even more against United, we were an inferior team... only this time against the Spurs we can say we were the better team but then you have to show it on the field and we did not and I did not see a problem with our style, I think it was lack of effort.

I don't think Italian clubs need to change anything regarding their game. The only thing they need to change is their attitude because for some reason those that qualify for the Europa League (and the UEFA Cup before) think they're too good for it and seem to not care... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) It's a problem of snobbish attitude in my view and not one of playing style.

And don't forget, it was only a couple of years ago when we humiliated Manu(twice I believe), and it was only under Leo that Manu got their first win in San Siro in over 20 years or something!

First win they ever got and first goals they ever scored in San Siro... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif) it was going to happen at some point in history and it was bound to happen last season because ours was a bad team and I don't think it was Leo's fault. I do blame him for the way we lost and the score but I believe we were too bad to not lose.

[Danny]

Played well, dominated the entire game, midfield controlled the middle of the pitch, attack fared decently but it just wasn't our night.

Yeah, Ibra had another of his legendary quiet games in a big match, but does it matter? He never really had a single good chance to bury.

Spurs got lucky, they were poor and we didn't take what chances we got. Scudetto, for me, remains #1 so as disappointed as I am by last night, it's not the end of the world.

[Milan Are Brilli...]

At the end of the day if we went through, there is about 1 team I'd have fancied us against (if all the big boys go through). As someone said a few days ago we weren't ever going to really win it. Sure, we had to try but I'm not that disappointed that we are out of it, especially in the manner we went out.

It was extremely refreshing to see praise put on Milan from the English media for last night's performance. And I think they were taken a back when we bought a 19 year old on instead of a 39 year old!

We will be back stronger next season, remember we were missing about 5 key players last night from injury and being cup-tied etc that we have available normally in the league. I'll be really surprised if this Ganso plays consistently better than KPB he is top-notch. What a signing.

[I_Rossoneri]

At the end of the day if we went through, there is about 1 team I'd have fancied us against (if all the big boys go through). As someone said a few days ago we weren't ever going to really win it. Sure, we had to try but I'm not that disappointed that we are out of it, especially in the manner we went out.

It was extremely refreshing to see praise put on Milan from the English media for last night's performance. And I think they were taken a back when we bought a 19 year old on instead of a 39 year old!

We will be back stronger next season, remember we were missing about 5 key players last night from injury and being cup-tied etc that we have available normally in the league. I'll be really surprised if this Ganso plays consistently better than KPB he is top-notch. What a signing.

Where did you see this praise? So far all I seem to have read is backhanded compliments saying we were better last night but our absence will hardly be a loss to the tournament! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) But a team that plays catenaccio at home will be a gain for the tournament?????? God give me strength!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[han2503]

At the end of the day if we went through, there is about 1 team I'd have fancied us against (if all the big boys go through). As someone said a few days ago we weren't ever going to really win it. Sure, we had to try but I'm not that disappointed that we are out of it, especially in the manner we went out.

It was extremely refreshing to see praise put on Milan from the English media for last night's performance. And I think they were taken a back when we bought a 19 year old on instead of a 39 year old!

We will be back stronger next season, remember we were missing about 5 key players last night from injury and being cup-tied etc that we have available normally in the league. I'll be really surprised if this Ganso plays consistently better than KPB he is top-notch. What a signing.

I agree completely. As for Boateng and Ganso, I believe they're totally different players and imo we need both next season.

@ dru, you know I'm a no fan of Allegri, but last night he went into the game with the best possible formation at his disposal, and n general terms without looking at finishing we played a perfect game, we controlled it from start to finish, never let their runners get in behind the defense, won the ball quickly etc, aside from the final pass it reminded me of Barca's performance the other night, obviously we're a lot slower and don't have Xavi or Iniesta, but in terms of how we controlled the game, you really cannot ask for more. Did Allegri ask Robinho to miss 2/3 clear cut chances? NO.

Anyways, had Pirlo, Cassano and VB been available we would have steam rolled Tottenham, I am 100% sure of this, they were just that bad and our finishing/lasck of creativity let them off the hook.

Next season with 3 or so more quality sugnings I truely believe that we'll do well in the CL. Before yesterday's performance I was certain that Allegri will come out short in the CL once again, but we played the perfect away game, had this been the first leg it would have been a great result. What we need next season is an easier group, we've been really suffering because of the tuff groups we've had both this season and last. Hopefully we'll be Italian Champions come next season's CL, that in itself will give the players a great boost and a lot more confidence

[han2503]

btw, Filippo can you open the Serie A match thread, you're giving us some great luck in the league (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Milan Are Brilli...]

btw, Filippo can you open the Serie A match thread, you're giving us some great luck in the league (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) This was 0-0. So technically I didn't lose (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[acid911]

Yeah, Ibra had another of his legendary quiet games in a big match, but does it matter? He never really had a single good chance to bury.

Oh well, this is what 3 goals in 24 knockout games in the CL for Ibra? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) Pathetic. More so when once considers what kind of a man-eater he is in the league, scores goals for pleasure when on song. But in the CL, a one-legged Kaka is better than this guy (when it comes to the bigger stage).

Maybe he should really play as an attacking midfielder next time around. Set up goals, if he can't score them.

[han2503]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) This was 0-0. So technically I didn't lose (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

We didn't win either did we? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)




(IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

@acid Ibra hasn't been a man eater in the league either, so it's a mute point imo, he wasn't doing well when we played the first leg either. He hasn't been the real Ibra since before christams, and this is something that could be truely pinpointed back to Allegi, who hasn't given him a full match's rest the entire season, he's not a robot, and I won't condemn him becuse he's physically shut down recently.

We have 4 world class options in attack, Ibra can be rested no problem, next Sunday I don't want to see him anywhere near the pitch against Bari unless it's absolutely necassary

[THFC6061]

Did you know that Tottenham Hotspur's captain last night MICHAEL DAWSON is an anagram of SHOWED AC MILAN.

[dst]

We will be back stronger next season, remember we were missing about 5 key players last night from injury and being cup-tied etc that we have available normally in the league. I'll be really surprised if this Ganso plays consistently better than KPB he is top-notch. What a signing.

They're different players, Ganso is a true attacking midfielder while Boateng is a box-to-box midfielder. I think they can play together too. Let's see if we're really going to sign this kid anyway.

and maybe Robinho can put some effort on something for once and talk to this kid if he's good since they played together at Santos.

[acid911]

This was 0-0. So technically I didn't lose

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) Haha, yeah, I was thinking about that. All in all, I wasn't too hopeful about this match anyway - not after giving away an away goal (pun always intended) in the first leg, and more importantly how we have been playing since the New Year. Oh well, now we can focus on the league, and maybe even the cup.

@acid Ibra hasn't been a man eater in the league either, so it's a mute point imo, he wasn't doing well when we played the first leg either. He hasn't been the real Ibra since before christams, and this is something that could be truely pinpointed back to Allegi, who hasn't given him a full match's rest the entire season, he's not a robot, and I won't condemn him becuse he's physically shut down recently.

We have 4 world class options in attack, Ibra can be rested no problem, next Sunday I don't want to see him anywhere near the pitch against Bari unless it's absolutely necassary

True. I meant before the New Year (or Christams, as you put it yourself) really, he was pretty good then. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) But 200% agreed, Ibra is a man burned-out, thanks to the coach (who practically does not even sub him out after the hour mark in matches). The guy has played the most matches, touching almost 40 up till now in all competitions. Even more than Abbiati. Both Ibra and Cavani have been overworked by their respective coaches, and both have broken down it seems.

Still, my biggest gripe with last night's match was the lack of urgency on display from Milan. We were playing like we were 3-0 up, but still looking for that 4th goal. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) As in, we wanted to score the goal, tried even, but the heart or speed was just not there in the build ups and attacks. I still think either of Ibra or Robinho should have come from the bench, with Pato (or best finisher, in fact only finisher with Inzaghi out) the lone man upfront, at least during the first half. Our biggest problem was service. Service from the middle. All Seedorf did (and he did it well) was just pass the ball around when it came to him. Lack of a true AM really became our demise, among other things.