Since being appointed as Milan coach, Filippo "Pippo" Inzaghi has rotated his squad frequently. At times, that has been due to injuries and suspensions; on other occasions it has merely been part of an attempt to find the right combinations in certain areas of the pitch. Despite the ongoing experimentation, three players appear to have been forgotten.
Pablo Armero was a solid if not extravagant addition to the squad this summer, but the Colombian international has yet to start a game for the Rossoneri. Having shown signs of rekindling his Udinese form this past summer at the World Cup, the left-back seemingly had a role to play for Inzaghi. However, the early-season form of Ignazio Abate forced Mattia De Sciglio to remain on the left flank, which in turn saw Armero stay on the bench.
Yet with Abate out injured, Inzaghi opted to play Adil Rami in an unnatural position for the Frenchman on Sunday instead of shifting De Sciglio across and promoting Armero. The 28-year-old has inevitably grown frustrated at San Siro and publicly hit out at Inzaghi for breaking his promise of playing time. Depending on Abate's recovery, it is about time the Milan coach delivered on that promise and gave Armero an opportunity to show what he can contribute.
Moving further afield, Riccardo Saponara continues to play a peripheral role in this squad and has made just one appearance so far this season. The 22-year-old has long been touted as a potentially important part of this team, but he hasn't been given enough opportunities.
Granted, fitness problems and injuries have been an issue throughout his stint with the club thus far, and perhaps Inzaghi has yet to be convinced that he is capable of an extended run in the side. However, with Riccardo Montolivo and Nigel De Jong soon returning, the Milan midfield could benefit from a dynamic player with Saponara's ability to break quickly and link play between the lines.
Giacomo Bonaventura has been a steady presence in a similar role, but with the likes of Sulley Muntari and Andrea Poli acting as direct competition it is questionable as to how Saponara hasn't been given more chances.
Thirdly, Giampaolo Pazzini has also grown frustrated with his lack of playing time, although the 30-year-old has remained professional even when his wife has publicly criticised the coach and club.
Pazzini's name is being linked with an exit with increasing regularity, but with Fernando Torres struggling, the Italian striker arguably deserves more than just a cameo role off the bench to show his predatory skills can benefit the team.
Inzaghi has largely favoured a "false nine" with Jeremy Menez in an attacking trident which brought positive results, but Pazzini knows how to find the back of the net and he needs playing time to find his rhythm and fitness.
Cristian Zapata is the latest Milan star to speak openly about Inzaghi's selection policy, and he conceded that the rotation policy is detrimental. If players are unable to establish some continuity, it will show in the performances, but Inzaghi's first task is to ensure he has the appropriate personnel on the pitch.