MN: How head-to-head clashes have directly derailed Milan’s European push | OneFootball

It is hard to highlight just one area where AC Milan have struggled above all this season, but their record in games against teams around and above them is certainly among the many.

As MilanNews write, Milan have found themselves nine points from fourth place, which is the final Champions League spot. The risk of missing out on Europe entirely is growing, given the Rossoneri are eight points from fifth (Europa League spot) and even four points from Fiorentina in the place above.

The draw against Fiorentina leaves a bitter taste in the mouth because it was the opportunity to compact the table, taking advantage of a head-to-head clash. What is worrying, beyond the performance that is clear for all to see, is how poor Milan have been in such games.

From now until the end of the season, Milan will face three teams that are ahead of them in the table. With the exception of other competitions (the Diavolo beat Roma in the Coppa Italia, plus Juventus and Inter in the Supercoppa Italiana), the Rossoneri have won one game against sides above them.

That win came back in the fifth round of the season, a 2-1 derby victory over Inter thanks to Matteo Gabbia’s late header. Aside from that, the matches against teams higher in the table have produced nothing but misery generally.

Paulo Fonseca managed one win, three draws and three defeats in these head-to-head clashes, with seven goals scored and 10 goals conceded. Conceicao is on zero wins, two draws, four defeats, four scored and nine conceded.

Thus, Milan have racked up just eight points out of a possible 39 against teams higher than them. If that were to become even a respectable 15, then they would be right in the Champions League fight.