AC MILAN v NEWCASTLE: THE DEBRIEFING

A bittersweet draw: we could have won; we deserved to win. AC Milan were much the better side against Newcastle, but failed to score and had to settle for a point in the end after the game finished 0-0. At San Siro, the collective group passed the test facing them, with signs for growth there for all to see. Here are main talking points after matchday 1 in Group F of the Champions League.

POSITIVE TEAM REACTION
It wasn't an easy ask to return to action so shortly after a tough defeat in the derby. The first aspect under observation is the team's reaction, which showed anger and the amount of desire required to come through a difficult situation. An important step was made, and the game at San Siro saw an excellent AC Milan side display togetherness and application. Pioli's changes to the starting line-up all showed up, from Chukwueze to Pobega, as did the subs, with Florenzi, Musah and Sportiello all making good contributions: despite having less minutes under their belts than others, these were encouraging performances that will be needed in the upcoming busy schedule. Pioli has a strong and large squad to choose from.

NEED TO BE MORE CLINICAL
Only a goal was missing. But behind this statement were so many other positive aspects. The Rossoneri were impeccable in creating chances, almost too many: 25 shots (nine on target) is a Champions League record without a goal being scored since the 27 produced against PSV in October 2005 (13 on target). The regret is not having hit the back of the net, partly down to chance, partly down to accuracy: from Leão to Giroud, right through to Hernández, Pobega and Reijnders. And the list could go on. In a game like this, breaking the deadlock early was crucial; the first half brought a flurry of opportunities of all types. Scoring is the name of the game, and the hardest part, and improving this will be top of the priority list moving forward.

SOLID DEFENCE BACK TO ITS BEST
If the offensive part didn't quite live up to expectations, then the defensive side deserves a special mention. After letting in five in the derby, the defensive unit shined brightly and didn't give the physical, quick and technical English side a sniff. The only scare was Longstaff's effort in second-half stoppage time: it was a solid and calm performance from the entire backline. Praise must go to Tomori on his return to the side; Thiaw bounced back; Calabria was, as ever, full of sacrifice and industry and Hernández always aware of the danger. Also, Florenzi and Sportiello stood out after coming on as subs in the second half. The slip-up against Inter must be seen as a one-off, from Hellas Verona onwards it will be time to get back to normal. Yesterday was the second clean sheet in fives game so far in this 2023/24 season, a number to gradually increase in order to compete in Serie A and the Champions League.

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