Juve 2 - Milan 1 , Panic spreads in the Milan camp

Juventus are now certain that they are able to win at the San Siro, a vital victory which should spur them to carry on their attack on the scudetto. Milan on the other hand continue to prove they are unable to defeat the big teams with their record standing at 1 win (against Lazio) 4 Draws and 6 Losses. This has not surprisingly incurred the wrath of the Milan fans , indeed with many of the overzealous ones calling for Allegri's head.

It is a tough break for Milan. In tonight's game , there were only 4 midfielders available in the entire Milan squad, 3 of those are close to retirement age, and 1 of them was a former left back who is being played as a right midfielder. Unfortunately , this is going to be the case for a few more games until a few more players recover from their injuries, and even more unfortunate is the fact that Milan face Udinese , Arsenal , and Juventus again , without any additional reinforcements from their infirmary. (to add insult to injury, Ibrahimovic also won't be available for 3 of their league matches).

It will indeed be a Month from Hell for Milan, and they need a lot of luck to scrape through this until they are able to get back to their full strength. Now is the time for Robinho and Emmanuelson, who have been sleepwalking so far this season, to step up their game and prove their worth. El Shaarawy has showed that he can be a valuable player on the field and so should be used to fill the cracks. Then Milan need to rely on VB, Ambro and Seedorf to dig into their fuel reserves for these next few matches. 

I still believe that Allegri is a good coach, yes he has been stuck to his 4-3-1-2 formation, but a coach is more than what formation he chooses. In fact, the formation is usually the first culprit, but has the least effect on the squad. The situation is difficult and the fans only care about results, but it is unfair and disrespectful to pull the trigger on any coach after a few losses. The Rossoneri faithful must look at the bigger picture: 

Milan are not yet out of the Coppa Italia, (the Away leg will be played in Mid-March with many of the injured players coming back) so there is still a chance, I wouldn't bet my house on it, but we've seen it happen before. 

Milan are second in the Serie A with a maximum of 4 points separating them from Juve (assuming Juve win their game in hand). 

Milan still have the Champions League to play for. 

The most logical thing is for Allegri to stay put and for the fans to concentrate on supporting their team through this difficult patch. 

As for tonight's game, both team's played a good game, with Juve looking more lively and as the scoreline suggests more decisive, but the second goal for Juve is a high-school error from the Milan captain. The first thing they teach you in football academy is to not clear the ball towards the center. A critical mistake from Ambrosini and a wonderful strike from Caceres , who introduced himself quite well to the Bianconeri today, cost Milan the game. 

Lessons from the Match: 

1) Giacherrini was quite a flop playing behind the strikers and I think Conte is smart enough to pick up on that and play him in a more familiar position in the future. 

2) Caceres has so far proved to be an inspired signing , I haven't seen a defender scoring 2 goals on their debut ever! Including a crucial winner in the dying minutes of the game.

3) After the 60th minute , Ambrosini's level drops to that of an Amatuer Sunday Footballer

4) Seedorf should always ALWAYS play deep in midfield and not as an Attacking Midfielder. He was much more effective and creative when he dropped back.

5) Robinho is just fading into the Abyss, never looks dangerous, doesn't look hungry, bereft of confidence, slow, just very sad to watch really. I wonder if he will ever regain the form he once had at Man City. 

6) Emmanuelson may have something to offer. But one thing is for sure, if he's ever going to offer anything, it won't be while he's playing as a right midfielder. 

7) El Shaarawy will develop into a great player, his work rate and effort is amazing and his touch on the ball is pure class. I saw him defending on the right (covering for Bonera) , and then defending on the left (covering for Antonini) , how many strikers would do that for their team. 

8) Borriello didn't do much to convince the Juve faithful that he deserves a place on their team. He may get a few more chances, but I doubt he will have an impact on the squad. 

9) Pirlo made the Milan fans shake their heads in regret. A real difference maker in the center of the field for Juve. 

10) Maxi Lopez...he had one chance, he was too slow , he failed to hit the ball, and he was offside.