The Rossoneri have looked more creative in attack in two games since selling the
Italy star than they ever did when he wore the red and black stripes
It was clear that Mario Balotelli was no longer wanted by AC Milan months
before the Italy striker eventually arrived in Liverpool.
Their desire to get shot of the problem striker was so blatant that the
Premier League side capitalised to take the ex-Inter man off their hands for
just €20 million. For a club struggling to make ends meet, it was hardly the
greatest of sales patter.
Had they been able to play hard ball, the extra cash that would have brought
for them might have been able to help fill some of the gaps left in Filippo
Inzaghi’s first-team squad.
Persistent issues in defence remain, with five goals conceded in two games so
far this term – even despite Diego Lopez’s penalty save from Antonio Candreva
against Lazio in week one.
The Spaniard’s error against Parma though, as well as an inability to retain
the ball convincingly in winning positions, showed that there are also problems
to patch up still in goal and in midfield. Due to Balotelli’s cheap sale, there
is little to no money left to spend on those issues.
But that’s about as far as regrets will go over the 24-year-old’s exit right
now, because up front Milan have been magnificent in his absence.
During Balotelli’s stay at Milanello, the Rossoneri were one-dimensional,
predictable, unattractive and lacking in any discernible creativity. Where
previously they had a plan A of lumping the ball up to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, they
had simply switched their focus to a different striker.
That tactic would have worked had Balotelli been the kind of No.9 to fulfil
the obligations required. But instead he remained the rather workshy, surly,
often disinterested enigma who was previously seen causing frustration for
team-mates, coaches and fans at Inter and Manchester City.
In the post-Mario Milan, Inzaghi has found a magnificent mix of excitement,
flair and a willingness to work. It was no coincidence that Stephan El Shaarawy
turned in his best performance since the pre-Balotelli days when Lazio came to
town on opening night.
Moreover, Keisuke Honda has finally looked like a fine signing, with a new
understanding of when and where to contribute in the final third. Add in the
wise addition of Atalanta wide man Giacomo Bonaventura, and Inzaghi has made the
very most of the new vibe about Milan’s attack.
Yet it is Jeremy Menez who has stolen the show so far. His performances as a
false nine in Pippo’s 4-3-3 setup have led many to wonder whether the loan
signing of Fernando Torres wasn’t a superfluous move.
The Frenchman was in sensational form in last week’s thrilling 5-4 win over
Parma, providing a snapshot of exactly what was missing in the centre-forward
position for a year-and-a-half. Milan players are now looking up to find a
series of options where previously they would have seen none.
Interchanges are more frequent and fluid. The majority of shots are coming
from more realistic positions thanks to more creative build-up play. More goals
have arrived as a result.
As quick turnarounds in fortune go, Milan's has been one of the most
stunning. And the entire group is revelling in the positivity.
Serious questions remain, as opponents will begin to find resolutions to the
Rossoneri’s attacking verve – beginning with Juventus at San Siro on Saturday
night. But Inzaghi and his men have at least bought themselves some time with
six early points won using an approach that fans can enjoy.
A continuation of the magnificent start they have made against the champions
this weekend would be just reward for the brash, bold way they have so far gone
about covering their significant weaknesses.
And the fact that this is all being done thanks in large part to the
offloading of Balotelli should not be forgotten for one second.
"We are certainly losing a great player, but we gain something more in team
spirit and hunger," Inzaghi said upon the striker's sale in August.
He has already been proven right.
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