DEADLOCK AT SAN SIRO
Serie A
AC Milan’s 2020 began with a draw. The 0-0 end result was one that brought little satisfaction as the Rossoneri simply couldn’t find a way past Sampdoria, failing to score at home for the second time in a row after the goalless draw against Sassuolo. This lack of goals remains a problem to be solved. The performance was full of desire but unconvincing in terms of quality and clinicality, especially in attack. In the second half, it was the Blucerchiati who had more chances. Ibrahimović’s entry to the pitch gave some extra energy and fight to his teammates, but ultimately it wasn’t enough to change the outcome of the game. Zlatan’s debut was however one of the highlights of the day, especially for the fans (58,572 in number), who were never lacking in their support. With matchday 18 of the season now over, the Rossoneri sit on 22 points with no movement in the table. Now it’s time to move on to the next challenge and step things up a gear.
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM THE MATCH
MATCH REPORT
The match began in a tight and cagey manner, with the Rossoneri looking to play with pace in the opening quarter of an hour but failing to create any dangerous opportunities. The first chance came in the 23rd minute from a corner kick: Hernández got his head on the delivery but nobody could get the crucial touch to convert the chance. Bonaventura fired the rebound back at goal but Colley blocked the effort. Suso then had two chances: however, his right-footed shot in the 27th minute lacked power and he was then closed down by the keeper in the 39th minute. Milan started the second half in a lively fashion: Çalhanoğlu tried his luck in the 47th minute but his shot was too central to beat Audero. Sampdoria then went on the attack and Donnarumma did very well to deny Gabbiadini in the 50th minute and Linetty six minutes later. The danger continued as Calabria miscued a back-pass but fortunately for the home side Gabbiadini fluffed his lines with the goal gaping. After those scares, Milan pushed forward, with chances coming for Ibrahimović, Krunić and Leão after the hour mark. Thorsby shot wide in the 67th minute but the match then fizzled out, with the Rossoneri failing to create many real chances to win the game in the final stages.
MATCH SUMMARY
AC MILAN 0-0 SAMPDORIA
AC MILAN (4-3-3): Donnarumma G.; Calabria, Musacchio, Romagnoli, Hernández; Krunić (85' Paquetá), Bennacer, Bonaventura (56' Leão); Suso, Piątek (55' Ibrahimović), Çalhanoğlu. Subs: Donnarumma A., Reina; Caldara, Conti, Gabbia; Brescianini, Kessie; Castillejo, Maldini. Coach: Pioli.
SAMPDORIA (4-3-1-2): Audero; Bereszyński, Chabot, Colley, Murru; Thorsby, Vieira, Linetty; Ramírez (30' Depaoli) (42' Jankto); Gabbiadini, Quagliarella (86' Ekdal). Subs: Falcone, Seculin; Augello, Murillo, Regini; Léris; Bonazzoli, Maroni, Rigoni. Coach: Ranieri.
Referee: Massa from Imperia.
Booked: 13' Krunić (M), 40' Depaoli (S), 68' Thorsby (S), 70' Colley (S), 78' Bereszyński (S), 91' Linetty (S).
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