GdS: A theme without a solution – Fonseca seeks clarity in Milan’s defence | OneFootball

AC Milan are once again struggling to find defensive stability, but this time it is not due to injuries, but rather personnel.

As Gazzetta dello Sport write, Milan have struggled with the same problems for years. In defence, there are repeated issues, and there is a lack of ability to find a cure, even if the manager has brought new ideas and even shapes.

Last season, Stefano Pioli’s side conceded 49 goals in Serie A, and this season, 14 have been conceded in 11 games. Over the course of the season, Paulo Fonseca will replicate the defensive record from last season, if not slightly better it – 48 goals in 38 games on current averages.

The issue largely lies with a lack of reliability on one defensive line, and the consistent efforts to find a ‘perfect’ partnership, which has seen five partnerships so far, but there is one that stands out, the partnership of Fikayo Tomori and Matteo Gabbia, who only concede a goal per game on average.

As Gazzetta conclude, Fonseca continues to experiment with his options, attempting to find one which blends the best, and perhaps the ‘physical and athletic exuberance’ of Tomori works best with the technicality of Gabbia. Nevertheless, clarity must be found soon, as the experimentation will only harm the side more in the long run if there are no consistencies in personnel.