Attack the best form of defence for Milan during rearguard crisis as Pioli relies on trio

It seems that every time AC Milan appear to be getting close to full strength and optimal health, something comes along that thrusts a particular department into emergency.

Looking ahead to the Spezia game on Monday, Milan will be without a number of key players including Fikayo Tomori and Simon Kjaer who are sidelined with knee injuries, Alessio Romagnoli who has Covid-19, Sandro Tonali who is suspended plus Franck Kessie and Ismael Bennacer who are at AFCON.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport writes though, it might well be that attack is the best form of defence against the struggling Ligurian side. Olivier Giroud, Rafael Leao and Zlatan Ibrahimovic appear to be in good form as each of the trio have started 2022 with goals, while Ante Rebic is back and must soon rediscover his rhythm.

Looking at the two centre-forwards, Ibrahimovic and Giroud are almost complete contrasts. Of the 8 goals Ibra has scored this season, 7 have been away from home, while each of the Frenchman’s 6 goals for the campaign have been at home. Interestingly, Milan will play every game at San Siro between now and mid-February.

A year ago Milan suffered a big drop in form and Inter overtook them in the standings, taking top spot and never looking back, but this time it is Milan who are chasing and Pioli will rely on the the 40-year-old and the 35-year-old.

Meanwhile, Leao is untouchable on the left as he continues to contribute both goals and assists (4 combined in 3 games to begin 2022) while the hope is that Alexis Saelemaekers, Ante Rebic, Junior Messias and Brahim Diaz can get back to their best form, to make the attack truly unpredictable.

When struggling for assurances at the back and in midfield, Pioli can at least rest easy knowing his side always have the capability of outscoring opponents.