2' min
Paulo Fonseca's Milan is already facing an early-season crisis. After just two league games, the Rossoneri seem to have slipped back into the same troubling patterns from the past: a lack of aggression, poor tactical cohesion, and most worryingly, a defense that continues to show glaring vulnerabilities. The 2-1 defeat to a well-drilled Parma side, who capitalized on every Milan misstep, underscores the urgent need for a turnaround to avoid a disappointing campaign.
The match's narrative was clear from the outset. Less than two minutes in, Parma seized the lead thanks to Man, who finished off a lightning-quick move down the left, set up by Valeri. Calabria was left trailing, Theo Hernandez was caught out of position, and Milan found themselves chasing the game almost immediately. Genuine chances for Milan only began to materialize after the half-hour mark, with Okafor and Pavlovic attempting to spark a revival, albeit unsuccessfully.
The first half closed with Parma still threatening on the counterattack, while Fonseca, visibly frustrated, watched helplessly as his team struggled to follow his instructions. The Portuguese coach opted not to make any changes at halftime, perhaps hoping his players would muster a response out of pride.
The second half began with more intensity from Milan: a thunderous strike from Reijnders crashed against the crossbar, suggesting that the tide might turn. But it proved to be a false dawn. Despite Pulisic's equalizer, neatly set up by Leao, Milan failed to seize control of the match. Defensive errors continued to plague their efforts, and Parma once again punished the Rossoneri, with a swift counter-attack orchestrated by Almqvist and finished off by Cancellieri to seal a 2-1 victory.
Fonseca attempted to change the course of the game by bringing on fresh legs in Emerson, Fofana, Jovic, and Chukwueze, but these changes made little impact. The team appeared stretched and disjointed, struggling to manage the defensive phase and lacking the focus necessary to avoid costly lapses.
While Parma deservedly celebrates a win built on solid teamwork and clear strategy, Milan is left to confront its limitations. With tough fixtures against Lazio, Venezia, and the return of Champions League action on the horizon, there's little time for Fonseca to right the ship. Without swift action to shore up the defense and reignite the team's fighting spirit, the season could quickly take a worrying turn.
