COMMENT
By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer
Just when they thought things couldn't get any worse. AC Milan's disastrous start to the season can now officially be placed under the category of an utter embarrassment following this afternoon's 2-1 defeat to Udinese, and Massimiliano Allegri must pay with his job.
Just eight days ago, there were many defending the former Cagliari coach, claiming that Silvio Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani's decision to sell the family silver was at the crux of the problem, and that victory at Bologna was a sign that Allegri could inspire a turnaround.
| MATCH FACTS | Udinese 2-1 Milan |
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Shots On Target Possession Corners Bookings Sendings-off |
UDINESE 15 8 43% 8 2 0 |
MILAN 13 4 57% 6 5 2 |
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But after leading the side to a week from hell, which has seen them drop six more league points and fail to negotiate perhaps the most winnable game in their Champions League group against Anderlecht, Allegri is almost all out of supporters.
The 45-year-old has lost control of the club. Discipline is poor, as evidenced by the fact Milan finished with nine men in Udine today, while he seemingly lacks the support of players past and present - Antonio Cassano and Gennaro Gattuso just two figures to fall out with their ex-boss.
Add to all that his bust-up with Filippo Inzaghi at Vismara on Wednesday and you have a catalogue of errors that needs fixing by somebody who is not Massimiliano Allegri.
Those defending him had said that he had done as well as he could with a squad stripped bare from above, but today his side lost to an Udinese team in exactly the same boat. The only difference between the two is that Francesco Guidolin has the quality to adapt. Allegri doesn't.
There is no doubt that this is the weakest Milan outfit since Berlusconi bought the club in 1986, but a squad containing internationals like Pato, Robinho, Nocerino, Boateng, De Jong and Abate should still be strong enough to defeat a Sampdoria or Bologna at home.
They are also not the 15th best team in Italy, the current Serie A position Milan occupy having obtained one win and three losses from four league matches this term. What's more, it is a return that sees the 2010-11 Scudetto winners already nine points behind champions Juventus.
The Rossoneri need a kick up the backside, and Allegri is incapable of the motivation necessary. Now is the time to pass on the baton to somebody who is.
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