GettyImagesPhilippe Mexes shows his frustration as AC Milan suffer defeat in Malaga

A change in formation did little to change Milan's luck as they fell to defeat against Malaga and the pressure mounted on under-fire coach Massimiliano Allegri.

Despite being handed a reprieve after Joaquin crashed his spot-kick off the crossbar, the Spaniard made amends in the second half to make it three wins in three for Malaga. It is yet ANOTHER defeat for Allegri, and for all of Adriano Galliani's reassuring words, Genoa on Saturday could be make or break even for one of his most ardent supporters - yours truly.

- Joaquin Malaga's hero against Milan

Ahead of the trip to Spain, my previous blog discussed the team selections that Allegri would have to get right. Unfortunately, not only did he make some questionable choices, but also decided to risk an untried formation in switching to a back three. Aside from wanting to throw my phone at the television on seeing Daniele Bonera's name in the starting line-up, Kevin Constant's inclusion almost tipped me over the edge. Despite being harshly penalised for the penalty, which was of course subsequently missed, it would be interesting to think upon how many Champions League sides he would actually get into.

"We have to look at the positives. It's a strange time, we gave our all, but right now we have some limits and we must overcome them. It is the first time with three at the back and we need more practice, it didn't go badly as an experiment," captain Massimo Ambrosini said after the game.

Therein lays the problem. Under mounting pressure after a wretched run of results domestically, was this really the right time to experiment with a new formation? With the game in the balance, Milan looked dangerous on the counter-attack as Stephan El Shaarawy spurned the Rossoneri's best chances. Giampaolo Pazzini did little to quieten sniggering Inter fans, aside from an early comical free-kick, as he was practically anonymous again, while Alexandre Pato and Bojan were introduced late on.

Could the result have been different if either had started in place of Pazzini or Allegri had stuck with what the team was familiar with?

The game could prove vital to qualifying from the group and defeat now leaves Milan with plenty to do ahead of Malaga's visit to San Siro, coupled with Zenit's victory over Anderlecht. However, the Rossoneri currently hang on to second place, and with two home games against their rivals it isn't as bad as it seems.

Allegri said: "Will I be on the bench on Saturday? You'd have to ask the club. I am disappointed with the result considering what the lads did, but Milan do not deserve this position in the table. How do we get out of this? We beat Genoa on Saturday. It's the only course of action."

Allegri added after the game "it's not in my nature to abandon ship in times of trouble", unfortunately for Max it might not be up to him on how he departs the ship. Anything less than three points on Saturday, and his time may be up as Galliani will have a tough time defending his coach.

What did you make of the new look formation? Have you had enough of Allegri or is Genoa his last chance?

For all the latest Milan and Serie A news, you can follow me on Twitter @italiafooty

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