Although AC Milan traveled to Rome with the expectation of a historic evening, Stefano Pioli’s decisions were called into question because the Europa League match ended in less than twenty-five minutes.
Milan tragically lost to a squad that was superior in every way as they were eliminated from the Europa League, according to Daniele Longo of Calciomercato.com. Technically, tactically, and in terms of character and personality, Roma were superior, and they should be in the semifinals.
The Rossoneri needed to perform much better to win the second leg after they gave in to pressure at San Siro, but instead they went into the game terrified by people who seemed to know they couldn’t win.
Pioli worked hard to field a “bizarre” starting lineup: he started Yunus Musah wide to cover Spinazzola instead of his finest midfield player, while Davide Calabria struggled in a more central role where other skills, like being a natural midfielder, were required.
What was the outcome? This time, Roma attacked via the center pathways and scored two goals in 22 minutes, more than enough to win the match against a Milan side that appeared to be out of ideas and confidence.
Samuel Chukwueze, the team’s most productive player, should have been on the bench, as well. The only player able to upset a highly skilled team with his unpredictable style was the Nigerian, who entered the game at the beginning of the second half.
Although Pioli defeated Roma in their two league encounters this season, he has now lost his previous four European games against Italian teams—Inter and Roma—while only managing one goal. These are alarming figures that almost certainly indicate the end of his tenure.