Internal disconnect and fan protests, AC Milan feeling the heat

May 11 : AC Milan's season reached a new low on Sunday as a 3-2 home defeat by Atalanta left the seven-time European champions scrambling to secure Champions League qualification and piling pressure on manager Massimiliano Allegri.

Milan dropped to fourth in Serie A behind Juventus, with in-form AS Roma sitting level on points to further complicate the race for the four Champions League spots with two games left.

Milan are facing an identity crisis. Having spent this campaign outside of European competition following last season's eighth-place finish, they are now in danger of a second year without a seat at Europe's top table.

The warning signs have been visible for months. Milan have collected only 25 points in the second half of the season, their lowest total at this stage in eight years, turning what once looked like an outside title challenge into a tense battle for the top four.

Though the scoreline was narrowed by two stoppage-time goals against Atalanta, the late rally did little to mask a listless offensive performance. Key players including Christian Pulisic, Santiago Gimenez and Rafael Leao have failed to deliver.

FOCUS ON FINALE

The primary concern for the Milan hierarchy is a growing disconnect between the midfield and defensive units. Allegri's pragmatic tactical structure has struggled to contain more aggressive teams, with the manager accepting responsibility for his failings.

“When results are lacking, I am the first person responsible, as I am the coach. These players have always given their all, we mustn’t go looking for blame right now, but focus on how we achieved many victories this season and need to get two more," Allegri said.

“There’s no point talking about what has happened so far, because we cannot