Today Milan played Udinese in the second round of their Coppa Italia and were trounced 1-4. After a first leg victory of 3-2, the aggregate score is Milan 4-6 Udinese.
This dismal result leads me to the inevitable question: Where on the pitch does Milan need to focus its investment over the next couple of years? Obviously management is always looking to upgrade everywhere, but where should it focus most of the immediate funds?
[I may be a year or two off on players ages; correct me if that is so]
In attack we have Shevchenko is 28 and Inzaghi 31 while Tomasson has not (and may never) make that step to a first team Milan-caliber striker. Unless something changes, Crespo is not ours.
In offensive midfield, our main players are Kaka (22) and Seedorf (26) with Dhorasso (30) and Rui Costa (32) to back them up. Pirlo is also a playmaker but is obviously in a category of his own with no backup on the squad. We also have Serginho who is our lone winger.
In defensive midfield, we have Gattuso and Ambrosini.
In goal, we have Dida and Abiatti.
Our defense is still world class, but not without its vulnerabilities.
Arguments can be made for any part of the pitch, particularly attack (Gilardino, Torres, Crespo) and at goal (Abiatti is likely to leave), but my opinion is different. Defense is where I think we need to most help. Although I believe we have one of the best three defensive lines in the world, it is aging as we all know. Furthermore, the bench doesn't provide much comfort; against Udinese, our bench provided plenty of scoring (4 goals in two matches: Ambrosini (2), Serginho (1), Tomasson (1)), but bad defending, allowing 6 goals to cross Abiatti's line. With Maldini, Stam, Cafu, Pancaro and Costacurta all past their prime, I think the main focus for short term upgrade should be here.
What do you guys think? Feel free to mention players you think can realistically be brought in.
This dismal result leads me to the inevitable question: Where on the pitch does Milan need to focus its investment over the next couple of years? Obviously management is always looking to upgrade everywhere, but where should it focus most of the immediate funds?
[I may be a year or two off on players ages; correct me if that is so]
In attack we have Shevchenko is 28 and Inzaghi 31 while Tomasson has not (and may never) make that step to a first team Milan-caliber striker. Unless something changes, Crespo is not ours.
In offensive midfield, our main players are Kaka (22) and Seedorf (26) with Dhorasso (30) and Rui Costa (32) to back them up. Pirlo is also a playmaker but is obviously in a category of his own with no backup on the squad. We also have Serginho who is our lone winger.
In defensive midfield, we have Gattuso and Ambrosini.
In goal, we have Dida and Abiatti.
Our defense is still world class, but not without its vulnerabilities.
Arguments can be made for any part of the pitch, particularly attack (Gilardino, Torres, Crespo) and at goal (Abiatti is likely to leave), but my opinion is different. Defense is where I think we need to most help. Although I believe we have one of the best three defensive lines in the world, it is aging as we all know. Furthermore, the bench doesn't provide much comfort; against Udinese, our bench provided plenty of scoring (4 goals in two matches: Ambrosini (2), Serginho (1), Tomasson (1)), but bad defending, allowing 6 goals to cross Abiatti's line. With Maldini, Stam, Cafu, Pancaro and Costacurta all past their prime, I think the main focus for short term upgrade should be here.
What do you guys think? Feel free to mention players you think can realistically be brought in.
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I've come to the point where I'd think he's letting the ball slip out of his hand/leg ( 
) on purpose 
), the awaited departure of JDT ( :sleep: ) and the return of Pippo, things would seem a lot more attractive in the attack ... I was hoping to see Caracciolo there or perhaps Cassano (yeah right), but baldy is too useless ... 
