CAGLIARI v AC MILAN: DEBRIEFING

The lasting impression of this midweek matchday is one of three massive points, which sees AC Milan in second place ahead of Saturday's big game against Lazio. The win over Cagliari is now behind us, but let's look at three important aspects to take forward with us in our Debriefing.

A WEDNESDAY OF FIRSTS
There were plenty of firsts among the 16 Rossoneri who played in Sardinia. First competitive goals for Okafor and Loftus-Cheek, a first start in the current campaign for Adli (and Okafor too), Tomori on the scoresheet for the first time this season, and a debut off the bench for Luka Romero. Having taken maximum points from the game is double in value, therefore, because it's proof of the depth of the squad, Pioli has at his disposal. This depth will certainly allow the Rossoneri to look ahead to their upcoming fixtures ahead of the October international break: Lazio at San Siro, then Borussia Dortmund and Genoa away. What stands out as positive, of all these firsts, is the valuable contribution made by the aforementioned players. In such a long and arduous season, being able to count on the entire squad could be fundamental to the Rossoneri achieving their goals.

COMEBACK, RUTHLESSNESS AND PERSONALITY
AC Milan have come from behind to win a game in Serie A for the first time since 5 September 2022. That was the derby against Inter, this time it was against Ranieri's Rossoblù. Following Luvumbo's goal around the half-hour mark, the Rossoneri held their nerve and played with personality. They didn't panic and managed to turn the game on its head before the break. The goals from Okafor and Tomori came from chances in the six-yard box, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek's was a surefire signal of intent. In general, AC Milan managed the game well against Cagliari, growing over the course of the 90 minutes. There were moments of lesser brilliance, so to speak; for example, our number 8's goal came during the hosts' best spell of the game at the start of the second half. However, Pioli's side dug deep and saw it out, adding to the scoreline in a tricky period.

ROTATION IN MIDFIELD
Loftus-Cheek, Adli and Reijnders started; Pobega and Musah came off the bench. We saw two different set-ups in the centre of the park over the course of the 90 in Sardinia, both of which looked sturdy and capable. The starting trio excelled in its fluidity, with Adli - who played excellently - often changing positions with Reijnders, who looked at his creative best having created the second goal and crafted other big chances. The midfield was given added steel with the introductions of Pobega and Musah, who built on their good performances against Newcastle and Hellas Verona respectively. Ruben was the constant over the course of the match and also showed his versatility and ability to kick off swift counter-attacks. All five of them impressed during a stern test, which is vital for a team that is now without Rade Krunić, having already lost Bennacer to a lengthy injury.

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