Some crucial players will be back for this one. But our problems have now shifted to the attack. Since we lost Biglia and Bonaventura we have struggled to score regularly. As I said from the beginning, the double pivot of Kessie and Bakayoko won't work long term as there's not enough creativity and we're struggling to bring in the attacking players into the game

After the harrowing midweek venture against Olympiacos it has become even more imperative that we perform in these upcoming games/ We don't have EL to distract us anymore and key players are starting to return from their injuries. So we need to make sure we collect max points from tomorrow to the end of the year

God awful game. Please give us a good coach. I respect Rino but Milan needs someone better at this moment.

This is just so lame.

And the worst thing is this choker mentality. This was the second time we had a golden opportunity to build a distance between Lazio and Roma, but no...

I blame of course the lack of creativity, but also Rino not being able to find more solutions. We played like this was just a warm-up friendly - again. Same happened over and over again against weaker opponents, while at the same time we're not even near of winning a competitive match against Napoli, Inter or Juventus.

We need Conte.

But most of all, we need quality players. Paqueta and Fabregas couldn't come anytime sooner, assuming we'll sign the latter. And we need a left winger in attack AT ALL COST.

first we are scoring but not keeping clean sheets. Now we are keeping clean sheets but not scoring as well. I missed the last 3 games so dont know how are we playing but it seems we have been very dull.

The injuries in midfield are at the root cause of the stagnant results as of late. Prior to that, the team was on a good run which is reflected in the table's position.

Injuries in defense also contributed to a more cautious approach when attacking, noting that our fullbacks were playing as center backs.

You have to take all this into context, hence why it seems the team is dull as of late.

Don't think Gattuso is to blame, as any coach would be faced with an uphill task given the injuries to so many key players.

Bertolacci injured as well today. We'll play with Calabria, Mauri and Hakan in midfield vs Fiorentina tomorrow.

January couldn't come fast enough.

I'm not even angry. How can you be angry at such a lousy team? We need a change in January.

Same story over and over again. Important players underperform, unexperienced coaches ending up in the dustbin. I do blame Gattuso... playing Calabria in midfield, not having the slightest idea what to do with the given situation, not doing anything to make a change of pace and approch, I can go on and on...

Honestly, you can't blame him for playing Calabria in midfield. We had NO ONE available. And I mean no one. Montolivo hasn't played a game since May, not even in training. He's not an option. We only had Mauri and Hakan available.

Nevertheless, despite the injuries, I think Gattuso has just lost it. He's just not a capable coach.

Montolivo is finished but he's still better then Calabria in midfield. He didn't play a minute because of Gattuso. Now I agree he should have sidelined him, perhaps he shouldn't have picked Monto as well, but please - why not change the tactical outlook then? Playing with three right fullbacks/wingers, Suso, Calabria and Abate was a complete mess. Them not achieving more then 2 crosses is yet another tragicomical segment of his wrong approach.

The issue is that, even when we had a full midfield, against Torino and Bologna, we still didn't manage to score a single goal.

And this has to do with tactics and preparation mostly. I understand that with Bonaventura gone we lack creativity, but that's only part of the problem.

Bonaventura has been bad for two years now. His absence is not a justification.

Creativity is a major issue, yes. But like you said, tactics, preparation, mentality, these are things distilled by the coach. I keep repeating myself, but Gattuso is just not up to it. He's not a bad coach, but not a good one either, especially for a top club like Milan.

We need an established coach. Can't believe that we haven't had one since Ancelotti left in 2009.

Top club like Milan? Milan ain’t no top club anymore...

Frosinone-Milan 0:0

Embarrassing on all accounts. Goodbye Rino.

From bad to worse it seems.

Didn't watch as I had to go out but I'm glad I didn't bother. Rino has reached the limit of what he is capable of doing with what he has, any coach would struggle under such circumstances, but some of his decisions are certainly not helping our cause

All these injuries were bound to start really effecting the results. Our January purchases need to be pitch perfect. And with Ibra no longer an option and Fabregas looking far from a sure thing, I'm not so sure we can pull a good mercato off at this point either

Looks like Ringo will be axed soon. Here we go again.

As for the market, Milan had just been fired by UEFA for breach of FFP. What market are you talking about? Ibra was supposed to come, but due to FFP Milan had to pull out.

Any new comers means some will be sold first. That's reality.

I have been a stark defender of Rino up until now but after today I think he needs to go. We haven't scored a goal in 4 games and the opposition has hardly been impressive. We need to bring in a coach who can elevate us to the next level and we need to test the market to bring in some players who can bring creativity.

Rino should be long gone, but fact is - we are going nowhere.

With UEFA sanctioning us we are tied and it seems we've entered a never ending circle. Just read what Leonardo said few hours ago - the mercato will be like in the old days, cheap and disappointing. Not because we lack ideas, but because of the financial restraints. So is the choice of Gattuso's replacement. It could be Donadoni, Blanc or some other second-rate option. We'll most probably miss out of the 4th spot; Higuain, Bakayoko and perhaps Suso will leave, we will once again try out players past their prime or gamble with youngsters - and we're back to square one.

I'm really losing hope that Milan has a bright future.

Hmmm, I don't see it as dark as you do. First of all, Leonardo was referring to the January mercato, which makes sense.

Secondly, we cannot miss the 4th spot. We've been plagued by injuries and a terrible form, yet we're only 3 points away. With Paqueta, possibly Fabregas (his agent said today he will rescind with Chelsea), and another signing in attack we have all it takes to be in the Champions League next season. Lazio and Roma are no real threats, unless we let them.

Yes, Gattuso is by no means the right coach for us. That is a problem that our management needs to understand.

By the way, Borini's agent traveled to Hong Kong today to meet with Shenzen FC who are offering 10-12 million to sign. Can you believe that?

This team has no chance of getting 4th. Roma and Lazio faced hiccups but still have the upper hand. We had the chance to build a considerable advantage but squandered everything against the likes of Torino, Bologna and Frosinone. SPAL could be next... No, sorry. Even with our best (on paper) players like Higuain and Suso on field we managed nothing and the injury crisis isn't a big enough excuse.

It will be a miracle if we reach 4th place. But all hope lies on this chore, and who do we have to achieve it: Gattuso, or perhaps yet another past Milan rookie player who wants to succeed Rino like Pippo, Brocchi and Seedorf before? Or Donadoni, who never once in his career managed to stir a team to 4th place? Or Blanc and Wenger, complete strangers to Italian football and Serie A? And this sorry excuse of a team without leadership, without heart and without soul? Sorry, I honestly doubt 4th place is achievable. Dzeko will be back, Roma will recuperate. Perhpas Lazio will stumble, but it's a big question mark.

Anyway, what if we don't make 4th spot? The endless loop continues.

So Pippo, FFP has put Milan in handcuffs? Doesn’t this resemble the situation Galliani was in?

If Milan manage to secure 4th place and UEFA extends the breakeven deadline for Milan, the game would change a bit. Milan would be able to make proper signings to improve the team.

Once again, its not rocket science this has been going on since FFP kicked in. How serious? Well just this summer Milan was kicked out of Europe for Li’s extravagant spending (mediocre when compared to the spending Silvio did to make Milan what it was).

P.S. Iv said this years ago, yet here we are again. Oh and on top of that, both Leo and Maldini back Ringo. So he isn't going anywhere either.

Mark my words, we’ll be in the Champions League next season. We just needs those 2-3 signings in January to give us that extra boost.

Let's hope so, if those signings aren't made I can't see how we'll manage to limp along to a 4th place finish at this point

Rino is a question mark for me atm. I don't think he's been as bad as some have made him out to be considering the massive injury crises he's had to deal with

Milan should 'save' their season, and end 4th. Otherwise it would be a massive disappointment. Gattuso should be fired.

Nonetheless, I did like the duo sub. When I saw Calabria and Cutrone ready to sub in, it were the exact two I wanted to see subbed off. I thought a Cutrone Higuaín pairing would be what Milan needed, and it immediatly paid off. Even though Suso and Hakan lack effiency in their finishing, they were the right ones to stay on field to play on the sides.

I feel like Milan lacks some certain spirit, and needs changes. Beginnging of the season I liked their play more being leaning to tiki taka, but was still very vulnerable and therefore fawlthy. What I see now, is simply worse.

Most creativity (and general threat) came from Suso, but I feel like that's not enough. Before Cutrone subbed in, I felt like Higauín was playing on an island. I am sadly not surprised Higuaín having had a long dry spell at Milan.

Bakayoko made some errors. It are errors like these I hope Milan makes less, once they have better spirit and energy.

I am impresed with Petagna his strength and body play, what a beast!

It is questionable however if Milan will make any quality signings this January bar Paqueta.

Milan under Gattuso... no chance of scoring goals.

Another half-blooded game.

But we won.

Yes, we won. But we play horrible football for a very consistent and long period now. And very idea-less as well. I fear Paqueta will be drowned in this nonsensical tactics we play.

I agree. I'm seeing a downward spiral to our game since sometime now. I hope we get back to playing better, maybe with the return of the injured players.

If Higuain leaves then we're practically f*cked.

Paqueta is very very impressive.

I think his departure is sealed.

And Donnarumma does it again. What a joke.

Typicall Kessie... dumb and useless.

That is very very harsh, and you know it Pipo

Not at all. Kessie is an outdated and limited player who would be virtually useless for any big team. He's simply too unintelligent and clumsy in the attacking phase and adds just a few good segments to the game overall. Just compare him with Bakayoko, who's far superior yet still not that great.

Kessie can hardly be considered a useless player in a big team. To me he is Vidal or Matuidi-lite. He is a box-to-box midfielder who plays with tenacity and physicality. Not a refined passer, nor a pure anchor. Both of those guys truly shine when they play next to players who can bring some creativity to the team. As for not finding a place in the top sides that is wild. Every team needs a player who is going to endlessly run around and provide to both the attacking and defensive phase Kessie is that player for us.

Kessie needs time more than anything. Neither Vidal nor Matuidi came into their own skin until age ~24 but once they rounded out their games and matured a bit they have played for all of the top sides (Barca, PSG, Bayern, Juve), and have played critical roles. Wait until Kessie irons out those few kinks to his game and the midfield to bring in some creativity and you will see how important he is. With Paqueta bringing confidence, flair, and passing ability it will elevate Kessie's game. Soon enough Kessie will be back in the goals and his confidence will rise.

Agreed.

I haven't been able to see the last couple of games. How's Paqueta played?

I think quite good. He is playing it simple which is the smart thing to do when you're thrown into the fire like that. He is very calm, and controls well the ball. I don't feel like he has a good shot on him, but maybe he'll prove otherwise. I'm quite excited to see how he turns out.

I think he has been pretty impressive has been the fresh presence and creativity we seriously need. I feel like our midfield has been pretty stagnant and the lack of dynamic players and movement has lead to us losing the ability to create chances in games.

Paqueta changes that, he is constantly moving off the ball to get open and get the ball to create. Plus he can pick out a pass nicely and always has his head up looking for other players.

Hey guys, back from a trip.

Seeing the developments about Higuain p!ssed me right off. I mean, why even sign if he was reluctant to begin with? Piatek will most likely be the guy brought in, I'm not that excited about it, if he can keep up his Genoa numbers that would be great but he just doesn't give me that kind of impression of being a big game player capable of making the mark in a big team with big ambitions.

It's not like Higuain has been scoring a lot either but he does bring in that extra confidence level that I can't see Piratek doing


As for Paqueta, he's looked impressive so far, he definitely has the confidence to be starting, showed great character in the Juve game as well.

Also, I think some of you are going a bit overboard with criticizing Rino. He hasn't had a fully fit squad since the first month of the season but still has managed to keep results relatively stable. We played the Juve game without any of our big attacking threats and still managed to create some good chances while also keeping the result respectable when we went down to 10 men. Add to that the wholly BS refereeing that went down as has been the case for the last 5 or so games we've played against Juve where we got screwed over in some way or the other and you just have to give respect to these players and the coach as well

Are you watching Han? Tell me, when was the last time Milan played so dull and consistently bad football?

we did win. i think 2nd half was an improvement over the first

Yes I am, and let me think.... The last decade or so fits that bill, only we weren't even getting half decent results then, which we are now.

You know, you can criticize Rino as much as you'd like but facts are facts, we're in 4th after 20 games played all while having some serious injury issues and a relatively small squad especially in terms of quality off the bench which is pretty much non-existent

Add to that he had to deal with his marquee player being mentally checked out since November

All in all, he's done a damn fine job if you ask me. What do you guys really expect? That's we'd be on par with Napoli? We knew the problems we had going into the season. The only real disappointment so far was the EL exit, but in the long run it could prove helpful for us

As for the football in general, I think we've played much worse stuff under Allegri, Montella and Pippo. We still manage to create nice plays in the majority of the games but generally lack the quality on the final ball. hat being said, Rino might not have made us beautiful to watch, but he's definitely made us difficult to beat, if Leonardo and Maldini can give him the 2 players we need in the attack that can give us that extra spark and added quality than the nice looking football will follow from there

On another note, I'm really impressed with Paqueta, this kid approaches the game with such style and quality, I'm really looking forward to seeing more of him

So, we're 4th after 20 games played. When was the last time that happened?