AC MILAN FINISH IN STYLE
Serie A
AC Milan couldn’t have finished the season in better fashion. At San Siro this evening, the Rossoneri recorded their ninth win in twelve matches since the restart and also scored their 35th goal since league action resumed. Cagliari were swept aside by the Diavolo, who ran out 3-0 winners thanks to Klavan’s own goal in the first half and goals from Ibrahimović and Castillejo in the second period. The performance was a continuation of what AC Milan have done in recent times, with the team playing some excellent, effective football full of quality. It’s almost a shame that our 2019/20 season is over given how the Rossoneri have been playing, but the team should also be proud of what they’ve managed to achieve, especially over the last couple of months: a solid foundation has been built for next season. The new Home Kit also enjoyed a successful evening as it made its first appearance. AC Milan have finished the campaign in sixth place on 66 points, thus qualifying for the Europa League. It’s now time for a break and a well-deserved rest before the 2020/21 season begins. We can’t wait to go again full of confidence and ready to carry on this consistency. Well done to the directors, Coach and all the players!
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM AC MILAN V CAGLIARI
MATCH REPORT
The Rossoneri took charge from the beginning, passing the ball around with confidence. They then took the lead on the ten-minute mark: after Leão had hit the far post from a tight angle, the ball bounced off Klavan and ended in the net. The goal also came about thanks to Çalhanoğlu’s ball to the Portuguese youngster and Ibrahimović’s clever work to create space. The Diavolo continued to push forward. In the 16th minute, Castillejo failed to properly connect with the ball when well-placed, while Zlatan’s right-footed volley was saved from point-blank range by Cragno with 23 minutes on the clock. Leão, who was in inspired form, then rattled the bar with an acrobatic effort just seconds later. The away side threatened for the first time in the 36th minute as Pereiro latched onto a defensive clearance and fired wide. AC Milan were awarded a penalty shortly before half-time, with Walukievicz being penalised for handball. Ibrahimović stepped up to take it but was denied by Cragno, who dived to his right and held the spot-kick. The first half concluded with the score at 1-0.
The Diavolo went up another gear at the start of the second period. First, Çalhanoğlu had a golden opportunity to double the Rossoneri’s lead: just a few yards from goal, the Turk was unable to keep the ball down. But it wasn’t long before AC Milan found the second goal: the assist was provided by Castillejo and the finish supplied by Ibrahimović, who thumped the ball into the top corner in the 55th minute. Castillejo then went from provider to goalscorer: two minutes later, the Spaniard combined with Bonaventura and then fired in on the turn to make it three as the Diavolo struck a quick double blow. Coach Pioli then opted to give playing time to two of AC Milan’s youngsters, with both Daniel Maldini and Marco Brescianini (his debut) coming on. The game was now all but over, but the Rossoneri continued to attack the opposition. In the closing stages, both Hernández and Bonaventura had attempts, but the result didn’t change. In stoppage time, Donnarumma produced a stunning stop to keep out Faragò’s header and preserve his clean sheet. AC Milan’s league campaign thus finished in a 3-0 win.
AC MILAN 3-0 CAGLIARI
AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): G. Donnarumma; Calabria, Kjær (79' Duarte), Gabbia, Hernández; Kessie, Bennacer (65' Brescianini); Castillejo (65' Maldini), Çalhanoğlu (65' Saelemaekers), Leão (38' Bonaventura); Ibrahimović. Subs: Begović, A. Donnarumma; Laxalt; Biglia, Paquetá, Torrasi; Colombo. Coach: Pioli.
CAGLIARI (3-5-2): Cragno; Walukiewicz, Ceppitelli (62' Carboni), Klavan (62' Ladinetti); Mattiello, Nandez, Ionita (79' Marigosu), Faragò, Lykogiannis; Pereiro (62' Paloschi), Simeone (90' Pavoletti). Subs: Rafael, Ciocci; Pisacane; Birsa, Delpupo, Lombardi; Gagliano. Coach: Zenga.
Referee: Serra di Torino.
Goals: 10' own. Klavan (M), 55' Ibrahimović (M), 57' Castillejo (M).
Booked: 13' Pereiro (C), 45' Faragò (C), 59' Cragno (C), 67' Saelemaekers (M).
The new Home Kit for the 2020/21 season is now available to buy on the AC Milan Online Store!
