Ante Rebic of A.C. Milan during the Italian Serie A soccer match between A.C. Milan vs Bologna F.C. at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy on 4 April 2022. (Photo by Michele Maraviglia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Milan’s Drop in Form and Ante Rebic’s Missed Contribution

Milan are struggling. The Rossoneri tied their last two games and scored only three goals in the last five matches. These past few weeks could have been the start of Milan’s sprint to the Scudetto. Instead, they turned into missteps that could be decisive for the title.

The reasons for such a drop in form can be found in various problems that Milan have been facing since the beginning of the year. First, Stefano Pioli’s attacking midfield is often not up to the challenges that a top-table team must face.

Furthermore, a look must be given to the physical condition of many players who, after a season played at a very high pace, are now starting to struggle significantly. On top of that, the Rossoneri have been plagued by multiple injuries since the season start.

Among those who continue to suffer from physical problems since the beginning of the year is Ante Rebic. The contribution of the Croatian international, who also missed the last Serie A match against Torino, has been subpar this season. If you look at the winger’s performance and match it to last year’s, the comparison is abysmal.

Indeed, Milan’s number 12 played 27 games and scored 11 goals last season. This time around, however, Rebic has totaled only 19 appearances – most of them as a substitute – and netted only two goals.

At this time of the year last season, the Croatian international was showing exceptional performances and scoring decisive goals such as a hat-trick against Torino or a key the goal to Juventus at the Allianz Stadium.

The Rossoneri management and coach Stefano Pioli expected to see the same this season ahead of the final rush for the title. Conversely, Rebic’s most recent performances have been dull, and anything but decisive. With only six games left, Milan need all their players available to continue mounting a challenge to the Scudetto, and Ante Rebic’s name has been missing so far.