TIME MACHINE: AC MILAN v TORINO

Watching it back now, knowing how it would end up, everything changes. AC Milan 1-0 Torino on 26 October 2021 is now no longer just a narrow victory on an Autumn evening at San Siro, it is one of the key chapters in a story that had not yet begun and needed time to reach its ultimate climax. That AC Milan side was one still under construction but hungry for victory, as they had proven their ability to compete in tough games without losing their identity. Until that point, Pioli's Rossoneri were on a nine-game unbeaten run (8 wins and a draw against Juve), which became twelve thanks to victories over Torino and Roma and the draw in the derby. The 2021/22 title race was taking shape, and we are going to look back at the game against Torino in this edition of Time Machine.

On Serie A matchday 10, a midweek matchday, Pioli's AC Milan went into it with a will to manage possession and find the space against a compact and aggressive Torino side, just the way coach Ivan Jurić likes. After a quarter of an hour of probing the defence, AC Milan struck with their first real opportunity. In the 14th minute, Tonali swung in the corner, Krunić flicked it on, and Giroud popped up at the back post to tuck it home from close range. The goal didn't open up the encounter, as Torino stayed compact, pressed hard, and tried to hit on the break. The Rossoneri, meanwhile, kept calm in possession, trying to find space between the lines for the trio of Leão, Krunić, and Saelemaekers. It was an intriguing, rather than spectacular, watch.

After the break, the Rossoneri opted for solidity. They dropped deep when required, disrupted Torino's possession, and were aided by the back-to-goal work of an insatiable Olivier Giroud, who was well in the fight. Torino spurned a couple of chances, which left San Siro breathless. First, Tătărușanu kept the hosts in front with a save to deny Sanabria, and then Praet's effort was deflected onto the crossbar. Sometimes, all you need is one save or one goal. These moments that are worth three points and are proof that you can win in football through suffering. "We weren't perfect, but we'll take the three points. These games will make the difference at the end of the season," Giroud said after full-time. Simple, direct, yet prophetic words. On that midweek October night, one of the pieces of the 2021/22 Scudetto was put into place.

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