European Spotlight: Villains from the weekend around Europe's football leagues

AC Milan

(L-R) Riccardo Montolivo, Kaka and Mario Balotelli of AC Milan look dejcted during the Serie A match between AC Milan and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 2, 2013 in Milan, Italy.

The Rossoneri are in trouble. They currently lie in 11th position after their latest 0-2 reverse at home against Fiorentina. Massimiliano Allegri finds himself under the pump yet again, just like he was at the beginning of last season.

The team walked off to a disapproving round of boos, whistles and taunts from the crowd assembled inside the San Siro and a section of fans even held up a banner criticising the club’s transfer policy.

Milan looked nervy all night as they conceded a whole glut of fouls especially in and around their own penalty area.

Allegri and Milan managed to rebound from their early season trouble last year with the help of a special rescue package in January in the form of Mario Balotelli whose goals kept Milan in shape and helped them climb up the table.

So far this season, Balotelli has failed to repeat that form and has cut a frustrated and dejected figure. Whether that has to do with his form, or his unhappiness with the Italian media who seem intent on making his personal life a less than private one, no one knows.

To go with that, fellow Italian team-mates Giampaolo Pazzini and Stephan El Sharaawy have been sidelined with long-term injuries and rendered unable to help the side out in its current situation.

There are even reports emerging in Italy that suggest Allegri could face the sack if they fail to win when they travel to bottom-placed Chievo the coming weekend.