I don't know how you could possibly make that assessment. Our defensive structure has been lacking, but our offense has been decent so far- there's a lot of room for improvement, but it's definitely a step up from last season.
We've had a ton of chances against Sampdoria, Verona, Spezia, Cagliari, Dynamo Kiev, Ferencvaros(x2). We created decent chances against Roma and Lazio. The only games where we struggled to create chances were against Barcelona and Crotone.
I dont know the exact stats but Im pretty sure if we take the average chances created per game and compare this season to the previous one we will be in decrease but I do think we look more stable on the back despite absentees which is a very good thing.
We need to be way more vicious upfront and I dont think quality upfront is the issue.
Our mid might be underwhelming but it is still one of the best in Serie A and if Atalanta can do it with their mid and budget so can we!
It is true we are more stable than Atalanta but we shouldnt really compare ourselves to Atalanta and here I am doing it which means it is a problem.
With all due respect to Atalanta - their budget is way below ours and its not as their mid players are really great - Its about their teamwork together which means system.
We lack the system to become better - Better than this Pirlo`s team or Sarri`s team.
As for quality - We should dominate Serie A with ease but I do see a problem when comparing our mid to the other top teams such as Real Madrid
Kroos Casemiro Valverde Vasquez Modric are way better than what we have and for us to be protagonist on the later stages we must get at least one midfielder that can take the initiative create and also shoot well.