AC MILAN EASE PAST CAGLIARI AT HOME

It wasn't an easy feat to beat Cagliari during our matchday 23 fixture on Sunday evening, however, a mature AC Milan side emerged to secure all three points. Played out at San Siro, the Rossoneri put in an effective and mature performance, representative of a side that will fight until the very end for a spot in the Champions League.

Paquetá and Piatek were both on the scoresheet following an own goal from Ceppitelli, in a match that will give Coach Rino Gattuso yet more confidence in his players. Positive from both a physical and mental point of view, they did well throughout the entire 90 minutes. The attack was particularly impressive, Piatek most of all as he scored his fourth goal in as many matches for the Rossoneri.

Meanwhile, Paquetá also bagged his first goal in a Milan shirt, which topped off a performance full of both substance and quality. The back four were also impressive, presenting a defensive wall that was difficult to break down. All of these elements will have a positive impact on Milan’s self-esteem, who now prepare for their next match on Saturday 16 February against Atalanta in Bergamo.
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MATCH REPORT

The Diavolo first went close in the eighth minute when a right-footed Hakan Calhanoglu effort was turned behind by Cragno for a corner. Soon after, the Rossoneri took the lead in the 13th minute. It was Suso with the shot, Cragno saved but the ball bounced back in off Ceppitelli to make it 1-0. Just eight minutes later, Gennaro Gattuso's side extended the lead when Calabria played in a cross to the far post with Paquetá arriving in time to turn home with his left. Milan were in complete control and in the second minute, Piatek almost made the most of a defensive mistake from the Sardinians but Cragno was alert to make the stop. Cagliari posed more of a threat in the 27th minute when a Pavoletti header forced a great reflex save from Pavoletti. Gigio was the star again on the hour when Pellegrini crossed for Joao Pedro but the goalkeeper made a miraculous save from him before Joao Pedro hit the bar with his follow-up effort. It was, however, the Diavolo who would score next with Piatek doing well to convert after a quick break. In the end, Suso missed the chance to add a fourth, firing wide when alone against Cragno and that was the last piece of action in the game.

Match Summary 

AC MILAN 3-0 CAGLIARI

AC MILAN (4-3-3): G. Donnarumma; Calabria (65' Conti), Musacchio, Romagnoli, Rodriguez; Kessie, Bakayoko, Paquetà; Suso, Piatek (64' Cutrone), Calhanoglu (77' Borini). Subs.: A. Donnarumma, Plizzari, Abate, Laxalt, Biglia, Bertolacci, Mauri, Montolivo, Castillejo. Coach: Gattuso.

CAGLIARI (4-4-2): Cragno; Srna, Ceppitelli, Pisacane, Pellegrini; Faragò, Ionita (77' Despodov), Padoin (67' Deiola); Barella; Joao Pedro (80' Bradaric), Pavoletti. Subs.: Rafael, Aresti, Lykogiannis, Romagna, Leverbe, Cerri, Cigarini, Oliva, Doratiotto. Coach: Maran.

Referee: Federico La Penna from Rome.
Goals: 13' o.g. Ceppitelli (M), 22' Paquetá (M), 62' Piatek (M).
Booked: 75' Faragò (C).

Relive AC Milan v Cagliari play by play

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