It is fair to suggest that Lecce and Como were completely contrasting challenges for Milan. One posed the threat of completely outplaying them on the pitch and the other nearly left the Rossoneri frustrated until the goal actually came.
All that matters though, is the result. Milan took six points from the two ties, even if that barely looked possible at one point.
Milan’s win over Como was classic Allegri
Against Como, Max Allegri’s side were barely in the tie in the first-half. Cesc Fabregas’ men
outplayed Milan; pretty much playing them off the park. Their fluid movement across the park was too much to handle at various points but they failed to make chances pay.
And Milan were at their accurate best infront of goal. They had only four shots on target and three of them went in, as they attacked in spurts, absorbed pressure and exposed the spaces that Como left behind.
Having a front four that was direct and dynamic helped, as Adrien Rabiot put in probably the best performance of his stint at the Rossoneri so far. It was the biggest sign yet of how Allegri completely trusts him in an advanced role, instead of shoe-horning him deeper.
It was classic Allegri in a way too, as the Italian seemed to know exactly how the game would pan out. He was right, as Milan stood firm and took their chances.
Lecce nearly frustrated Milan
Lecce was expected to be a new challenge. Led by Tiago Gabriel, they were bound to stay deep in their half and attempt to out-Allegri the Milan boss.
But the Rossoneri battered them, xg-wise. They registered an xG of 3.40, which is the highest in the season for a single game. They created six big chances, as they finally broke through because of Niclas Fullkrug late in the tie.
It was a story of sustaining attacks and being persistent, when the Como tale was one of resiliency and commitment. Lecce didn’t create much, as Milan players were constantly finding the right solutions in the final third and only lacked the final pieces. That came and it speaks volumes about their title credentials.
Now, that title win might not come this season as Inter seem to be a step ahead of everyone else. But it provides a very positive sign that Allegri is getting a real tune out of the squad.
It is key to note that Milan haven’t lost since the first game of the season. After that, Allegri found the right setup for the squad and found the right roles for the individual players – Rabiot’s usage being a key example.
While winning titles, tight and ugly wins are always around the corner. Milan showed that they can iron those out and it puts them in good stead for the next few weeks and months.
