After an impressive 3-0 away win at Crotone, Milan went into this game as clear favourites but could they perform well in front of an eager San Siro crowd?
As Vincenzo Montella’s sides tend to do, Milan kept possession very well early on and patiently waited for a breakthrough. Ten minutes in, that breakthrough came for Rossoneri when Suso powered a ball across the six yard box for Patrick Cutrone to slot home. That was the 19-year-old’s fourth goal this season.
Five minutes later, everybody in the San Siro thought that Milan had conceded a penalty but luckily for the Milan fans, the referee booked Cagliari’s Joao Pedro for diving. Replays showed that the ref got it right.
Just after the 20th minute mark, the travellers hit the post through captain, Marco Sau. Another heart in the mouth moment for the San Siro crowd.
Surprisingly, Cagliari dominated the rest of the half and put Milan under some immense pressure before the break. However, despite being under the cosh for a large portion of the first 45 minutes, Milan went in at half time 1-0 ahead.
In the 56th minute, Joao Pedro equalised for Cagliari. It had been a long time coming as the underdogs had been knocking on the door for a long time. Milan needed to find a way to claw their way back into the game.
After dominating since Cagliari’s leveller, a chance for Milan arose when they were awarded a free kick 25 yards out. Newly elected vice captain Suso stepped up and whipped the ball into the net! Milan were 2-1 up with 20 minutes left.
The red and blacks held on for 30 minutes, due to 10 minutes of stoppage time, to claim all 3 points. It wasn’t easy for Milan as last weekend’s match at Crotone but Montella’s side showed real grit to get the win.
PLAYER RATINGS
AC Milan: Donnarumma 6.5, Conti 6, Bonucci 6, Musacchio 6,Rodriguez 6.5, Montolivo 5, Kessie 6,Calhanoglu 7, Borini 7, Cutrone 7.5, Suso 7.5
Cagliari: Cragno 6, Padoin 6, Adreolli 6, Pisacane 7, Capuano 6, Barella 8, Cigarini 6.5, Ionita 6.5, Joao Pedro 7, Farias 7, Sau 7
