AC Milan made a perfect start to the Serie A 2023–24 campaign by winning their first three games. Wins against Bologna, Torino, and Roma gave Pioli’s side nine points and kept them in touch with the other big teams. However, things were not the same in the fourth round of the season. A battle with arch-rivals Inter Milan ended in a humiliating loss.
Inter Milan won 5-1 in their home fixture against the Rossoneri. This humiliating loss was a huge setback for the team. They responded on a positive note by winning their next four matches in Serie A, and these results took Pioli’s men to the top of the table in the Italian top division. AC Milan won the title in the 2021–22 season and were unable to defend the Scudetto last season. Now, with some new recruits and a balanced side, the team has confidence in the 2023–24 season. Let’s take a look at how Milan responded in a positive way after Derby’s humiliation.
AC Milan have scored a goal in every game this season. The team averages two goals per match and has an average xG rate of 1.51. In the last four games, seven goals were scored.
Overall, Milan averages 10.4 shots per match, and the accuracy rate is decent at 42.2%. In the last four games, the shot average was 11.25 shots per match, and the accuracy rate was similar. AC Milan were able to get the results, including a 2-0 win over last year’s runners-up, Lazio.
New signing Christian Pulisic is returning to his best. The USMNT star already has four goals and an assist to his name in eight league games. Captain America scored two crucial goals during this winning run, including a late winner against Genoa after coming off the bench. Pulisic also provided his only assist of the season during this run. He has been a great addition to this Milan side.
AC Milan rely a lot on their wide players to create attacks. The left wing has Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao. These two add an extra edge to Milan’s attack. This is known to every team, and they strengthen their right side. AC Milan have found a way to exploit the other side, and from the above viz., we can observe that most of the ball progression took place from the right side.
No-nonsense defending
AC Milan’s defence is the biggest reason behind this success. After conceding seven goals in the first four games, Pioli’s men have only conceded one in the last four. The defence has been at the top of the game and blocked a few crucial shots during this period. Mike Maignan has also made eight saves in these four matches. His red card in the last game saw Olivier Giroud take command in the goal. Milan were able to hold on to their lead in the last few minutes against Genoa.
Stefano Pioli’s men have given a positive response after that humiliating loss. They are looking for their 20th league title, and this will take them over Inter Milan in the overall standings. Milan have a tough test at home against Juventus after the October international break.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine
