Following a narrow 1-0 win against Sassuolo in the league, attention turned to the Coppa Italia and a last 16 tie against Cagliari at San Siro.
Stefano Pioli did make a lot of changes to the starting XI with players like Alex Jimenez, Jan-Carlo Simic, Chaka Traore and Luka Romero all starting the game. Luka Jovic also had the chance to finally start after a few positive performances throughout December.
Despite some early attempts by Cagliari, Milan got control over the game fairly fast after the opening exchanges and were in full control at the break, scoring the opener through Jovic and then doubling the advantage through him, both assisted by Theo Hernandez.
In the second half, it was more of the same and in the 50th minute, Traore got his first goal with the senior team. Cagliari did get one back, but Rafael Leao had the last say of the game as he ended his goal drought to make it 4-1. Here are five things we observed during the game…
1. Theo leads the way
Theo Hernandez started in the middle of the defence alongside Simic and won our post-game Man of the Match after a stellar performance where he got an assist on the first goal after a lovely cross from a central position.
Then there was a signature Theo run for the second assist as he got the ball back in his half and burst forward on an amazing run that ended with a through ball to Jovic and the Serbs’ brace.
Hernandez has shown great versatility in the last month or so playing as a centre-back amid the injury crisis but also doesn’t fail to disappoint going forward as he likes doing down that left flank.
2. Young duo impress at the back
Theo was not the only one that was impressive in that somewhat makeshift rearguard, with Simic and Jimenez also showing why they have been spoken about so highly after their exploits with the Primavera.
Simic had a very good game despite having little to do but did well to handle Luvumbo, who was the main threat for Cagliari. The teenager continues to take his chances well and he is one for the future but he will probably enjoy a lot of playing time in the present due to Milan’s injury crisis.
Jimenez also impressed on the left flank as he showed great confidence going forward. The Spaniard possessed great pace and was a menace for Cagliari’s right side, and was also involved in the third goal.
The only negative is that Real Madrid do have a buy-back option on him, so it remains to be seen whether or not Milan can keep him for good. Giving him chances, obviously, is more likely to want him to stay.
3. Grabbing his chance
Yacine Adli had a greater role at the beginning of the season, but a bit like with Rade Krunic he seemed to fall back to the bottom of the pecking order. Against Cagliari, though, Adli got the start and it was a perfect game for him given the lack of pressing.
We saw some good passing and he should’ve really gotten an assist but Jovic missed a big chance early on. Above all, it was the nice shift of feet to create the space that reminded Milan fans just how dynamic he can be.
The midfielder has the vision and passing range but we have seen him struggle against a high press and maybe that’s one of the reasons Pioli hasn’t played him as much, but if the former Bordeaux manages to improve that aspect of the game he can be a crucial part of this team.
Another thing worth noting is that Krunic could well be sold this month while Ismael Bennacer is at AFCON and Tommaso Pobega is injured, so he will almost certainly get more minutes.
4. Attacking trio join the party
Jovic finally got the start he deserved after a very good December and repaid his team with two goals in the first half continuing his red-hot form.
The striker keeps pushing for the starting spot in the league as well and Pioli will have no choice but to play him more if he continues in the same way.
The former Real Madrid man’s recent performances also solve the striker issue Milan had a month ago, and they now have no immediate need to bring in a striker in January.
Chaka Traore was also another one to impress. After starting rather slowly, he grew into the game and was braver going forward which resulted in him picking up his first goal.
Finally, Leao came off the bench and got his goal after a long wait. The Portuguese beat his man and placed the ball in the far corner in what is a signature move for him, after a few attempts doing the same thing.
Leao been under some scrutiny as of late, mainly because of the high expectations, but has reacted well and Pioli will be hoping that this goal will boost his morale resulting in many more to come.
5. Not all sunshine and roses
Despite a lot of players thriving, some didn’t quite cut it and for the purpose of balance it would only be right to mention them.
The first is Luka Romero, who got a chance to start the game too, but seemed too rusty and barely made any impact on the game. In fairness to him, he barely had any playing time and was
It begs the question why he wasn’t used in the Primavera as well as he is still only 19 years of age and Pioli doesn’t seem too keen on giving him more playing time. Perhaps a January loan might now be an option.
The other disappointing performance was Chukwueze, who we can’t excuse. The Nigerian has scored a couple of huge goals against big sides in Europe, but then can’t bring the same efficiency to domestic action.
Against Cagliari, one of the weakest sides in Serie A who also played with their second team in parts, you’d expect the winger to have a big impact and we’re not talking goals and assists, but at least being dangerous down that flank which he was not.
