Usually, even on the darkest nights, it is logical to try and find something positive to latch onto from which to start again.

The truth, however, is that there’s nothing to salvage from AC Milan’s defeat at Bournemouth last night. This morning’s Corriere dello Sport (via MilanNews) criticises Milan for a lax approach, a reckless Mike Maignan, defensive lapses (even with equal numbers) and zero shots on target.

A brutal night

The squad’s limitations were exposed, amidst a packed schedule. In trying to describe ​​Milan’s performance against Bournemouth , one cannot ignore Mike Maignan’s crazy and senseless gesture.

From a player like the Frenchman – 31 years old, 49 European appearances, and the captain’s armband –  one wouldn’t expect such foolishness. It was an immature action that affected Milan’s already uphill match and could affect the next few, given that they exhausted a lot of energy for an hour with ten men in the rain.

Then, on the evening in Bournemouth, all the limitations of the Milan squad were exposed once again this season. The absences of Ramos and Chukwueze highlighted the confusion: Camarda, chosen as Ramos’s deputy, did not even come on.

Cisse was chosen, clearly out of position, although unjudgeable given how the match went; on the right, there is no natural replacement for Chukwueze other than Moreira. The Belgian, however, continues to be unconvincing on that side.

Added to this are the lacklustre performances of the left-backs, Estupinan and Bartesaghi, as well as the disappointing Loftus-Cheek. Although yesterday, with the exception of an innocent Torriani, no one was truly safe from criticism.

Amorim must literally figure out what game to play: how to best exploit his squad to its potential, with the players in their positions and who can perform at their best. Hopefully, the January transfer window will take care of the rest.