MY ACCOUNT
Stefano Pioli accepts something has to change at Milan if they are emerge from their slump after achieving an unwanted first with their 5-2 loss at home to Sassuolo on Sunday.
The Rossoneri shipped four or more goals in successive Serie A matches for the first time in their history, having previously been thumped 4-0 at Lazio in midweek.
Milan also recently suffered a 3-0 defeat to rivals Inter in the Supercoppa Italiana, meaning they have lost three in a row in all competitions for the first time since September 2019.
Without a win in six games going further back, the pressure is building on head coach Pioli, who ended the club’s 11-year Scudetto wait last season.
While the 57-year-old is expected to be given more time to turn things around, he understands Milan cannot carry on as they are.
“I’m thinking about many things,” he told Sky Sport. “Everything that has worked over the past two years isn’t working right now.
“It’s clear that if you want to change results, you have to change something. I’ll make the decisions that are needed to bring us more compactness, energy and better balance.”
Domenico Berardi helped pile the misery on Milan at San Siro with a goal and assists for Gregoire Defrel, Davide Frattesi and Matheus Henrique.
Armand Lauriente was also on the scoresheet from the penalty spot, with Olivier Giroud and Divock Origi netting what proved to be consolation goals for out-of-form Milan.
It marks the first time the Rossoneri have conceded five goals at home in a league match since April 1997 when losing 6-1 to Juventus.
And with Serie A leaders Napoli 10 points clear of Milan ahead of facing Roma later on Sunday, Pioli concedes his side’s hopes of defending the title are over.
“To say I’m disappointed doesn’t cut it,” Pioli said. “These recent performances have left us in difficulty, but this must push me to understand certain situations must be improved.
“We have to react. We probably won’t be able to win the Scudetto again. Instead, our Scudetto is fighting to finish in the Champions League spots, which we can achieve.”
Next up for Milan is another Derby della Madonnina showdown with Inter at San Siro next weekend, and striker Giroud has called for unity during a tough period for the club.
“It’s a difficult moment for us, but we have to stay together,” he told DAZN. “We have the support of the fans, which we have seen.
“We want to give everything for them on the pitch because they deserve more. At the moment I realise things are not going in the right direction. We have to work harder.
“Everything is going wrong for us. Our attitude is good and we want to do well, but it’s not enough.
“Whoever plays, however, must do more, myself included. Let’s try to stay united. We have the opportunity to raise the level in the derby with Inter next week.”
