THREE POINTS TO START 2023
Serie A
AC Milan's campaign started again with three points: at the Arechi stadium in Salerno, the Rossoneri beat Salernitana 2-1 to maintain second place in the standings. Two goals, in the first quarter of an hour, from Rafa Leão - who scored in the first match of the new year for the third consecutive season - and Sandro Tonali (who also assisted the first goal), with Pioli's team playing with authority and character throughout the match, without losing their rhythm after Bonazzoli's goal in the dying minutes and even coming close to scoring a third right at the end.
Many chances were created during the 90 minutes, with the Rossoneri hardly ever running any real risks even defensively, apart from conceding a late goal. Three important points that reward the good performances by the two goalscorers, Tomori's excellent defensive interventions, Bennacer's usual composure in the midfield and of the returning Calabria and Saelemaekers. A great way to start 2023, and particularly January, a really intense month full of important fixtures, starting with the match on Sunday 8 January against Roma at San Siro.
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM SALERNITANA v AC MILAN
MATCH REPORT
In addition to the returns of captain Calabria and Saelemaekers, Brahim Díaz was selected behind Giroud up front. The first chance of the match fell the way of Leão, who went one-on-one with Ochoa but was denied by the goalkeeper’s feet (6’). AC Milan took the lead with their second attempt: Tonali released Leão with a lovely through ball and the Portuguese man did the rest, rounding Ochoa and calmly depositing into the empty net to make it 1-0 (10’). Pioli’s men kept on pushing and, five minutes later, doubled their advantage through Tonali, whose initial attempt had been saved by the goalkeeper. However, on the rebound, Díaz laid it off for the Rossoneri No.8, who fired home with aplomb (15’). After a great bit of defending from Tomori to stop Dia from reducing the arrears (22’), Díaz had two efforts on goal: the first was blocked by Bradarić before the Spaniard drilled inches wide on the follow-up. In the 32nd minute, with the Rossoneri continuing to pile on the pressure, Giroud forced Ochoa into a fantastic reaction save. AC Milan were well in control as the first half drew to a close.
The second period started with another AC Milan opportunity as Giroud couldn’t quite get enough on the ball to force home Saelemaekers’ assist. The Rossoneri found the net from a corner on the 58-minute mark, but, after a VAR review, it was ruled out due to Díaz being in an offside position. With the newly introduced De Ketelaere looking lively, it all seemed comfortable for Pioli’s men. However, Bonazzoli’s finish from Coulibaly’s cross in the 83rd minute meant the final stages would be nervier than anticipated. AC Milan didn’t want to lose any points and came close through Tonali (86’) and then Dest (90’), the latter of whom tested Ochoa with a back-heel flick. In the eight minutes of stoppage time, Radovanović almost diverted the ball into his own net and Ochoa performed more heroics to keep out De Ketelaere’s shot. It didn’t matter, however, as AC Milan started the new year with a win.
MATCH DETAILS
SALERNITANA 1-2 AC MILAN
SALERNITANA (3-5-2): Ochoa; Lovato (64' Daniliuc), Radovanović, Fazio; Sambia (84' Valencia), Coulibaly, Bohinen (84' Kastanos), Vilhena (63' Bonazzoli), Bradarić; Dia, Piątek. Subs: De Matteis, Fiorillo; Bronno, Moțoc, Pirola; Capezzi, Iervolino; Valencia. Coach: Nicola.
AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): Tătăruşanu; Calabria (72' Gabbia), Kalulu, Tomori, Hernández; Bennacer, Tonali; Saelemaekers (85' Dest), Díaz (63' De Ketelaere), Leão; Giroud (85' Vranckx). Subs: Mirante, Nava; Bozzolan, Thiaw; Adli, Bakayoko, Pobega; Lazetić. Coach: Pioli.
Referee: Fourneau (Rome).
Goals: 10' Leão (AC), 15' Tonali (AC), 83' Bonazzoli (S).
Booked: 53' Giroud (AC), 73' Piątek (S), 75' Bradarić (S), 81' Coulibaly (S), 91' Daniliuc (S).
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