Milan’s long road to the derby
Milan have four matches ahead of them, including the postponed game against Como, before the Derby della Madonnina on 8 March. There are currently eight points keeping the Rossoneri away from the top of the table, or five if they win against the Lariani, a gap that isn’t impossible to overcome but will certainly require a flawless run in the upcoming weeks.
At the top of the table, Inter lead the way with unmatched momentum. The Nerazzurri have scored 57 goals from 24 matches, compared to Milan’s 38 from 23 games, clearly highlighting Inter as the best attack in the league. Chivu’s team have built their lead primarily through victories over second-tier teams, almost exclusively dropping points in direct clashes. They haven’t lost a single game since the first Derby and have maintained unbeatable offensive technique, a quality that Allegri is not aiming to adopt in his own squad.
While Inter dominate in attack, Milan maintain stability and balance. The Rossoneri have the third-best defence in the league, conceding only 17 goals and maintaining an almost perfect record in head-to-head games. Their ongoing streak of 22 unbeaten games is the mark of a team that stays in control even when victory doesn’t seem possible. Milan have recorded eight draws, compared to one for the Nerazzurri, demonstrating a level-headed approach in the most challenging moments.
A statistic that highlights Milan’s strength is that they are one of two teams, together with Bayern Munich, that are unbeaten on the road in Europe’s five major leagues. A record that demonstrates the Rossoneri’s ability and maturity, qualities that will be crucial on the road to the Derby.
The Pisa, Parma, and Cremonese stretch
The schedule has a vital stretch ahead for the Rossoneri. Pisa, Parma, and Cremonese are hurdles that on paper seem manageable but Milan dropped points to all three in the first half of the season, recording two draws against Pisa and Parma, and their only defeat of the campaign came in the season opener against Cremonese.
Their current record of securing just two points out of nine suggests a change will be needed. The upcoming game at the Arena against Pisa will therefore hold symbolic value and personal value for Allegri. It was in that exact stadium, 37 years ago, that the Rossoneri coach began his long Serie A journey as a player. Today, he remains a key figure on the touchlines, with the chance to write another small but vital chapter in Milan’s history.
Chasing Capello’s Streak: Echoes of 1992/93
A positive result in Pisa would mean that Milan will have matched Fabio Capello’s 23-match unbeaten streak from the 1992/93 season. A demanding benchmark, but one that naturally comes to light as the stats align. That squad was designed to dominate as they were coming off the “invincibles” Scudetto, winning the league with just two losses and the best defence in the league.
It was Marco Van Basten’s final season, scoring 13 goals in 15 appearances, while Jean-Pierre Papin had only recently signed from France, contributing 13 goals in 22 games. The parallels to today’s squad extend to Ballon d’Or winners; just as the squad from 1992/93 had Papin, Milan have Luka Modrić, the player who broke the long-standing Ronaldo-Messi domination of the prestigious award. These historical parallels add colour to the story, though Allegri keeps them in the background.
Allegri, staying present and relying on leaders
The Rossoneri coach continues to keep the squad focused, keeping them away from distractions and early comparisons, ensuring that the focus remains on the present. Managing big moments is an Allegri speciality, strengthened by the experience of players like Modrić and Rabiot, who embody the coach’s vision on the field.
The pause may bring Milan’s attacking stars, Pulisic and Leao, into action as they have been successfully filled in by Nkunku and Loftus-Cheek. This is a clear mark of the team-oriented approach that has allowed the Rossoneri to turn challenges into opportunities.
Milan’s long road to the Derby is now officially set. The team have opted for the path of solidity and consistency. However, in order to get to the top of the table, they’ll need a boost. History proves that once the Rossoneri hit certain numbers, incredible achievements are well within their reach.
(Photo Getty Images)