AC MILAN V FROSINONE: THE DEBRIEFING

AC Milan got back to winning ways at San Siro, just as they did last week against Fiorentina, by beating Frosinone 3-1. It was an important win for several reasons: the mood, the table and the future. Let's analyse the most interesting aspects to come out of the Rossoneri's success on matchday 14 in Serie A.

 A WINNING EXPERIMENT
The defensive emergency required an unusual decision to be made, with the gaffer choosing to start Theo Hernández as centre-half alongside Tomori, and it paid off. The Frenchman was alert in closing down and, when  relieved of his defensive duties, was also typically proactive going forward. Theo's response on the pitch also aligned with that of the team's, who dug deep and carried out a game full of sacrifice in defence to make up for the absences. The spirit is what we expected, and Theo's willingness (he wasn't the only one) to play in a different role to the one he's used to is the touchstone of a side that knows how to react in the most delicate moments.

CONTINUED GROWTH
We had already spoken about it in the Briefing on the eve of the game, and Luka Jović confirmed the feelings that confidence was gradually growing. After his good work against Fiorentina and hitting the post against Borussia Dortmund, in his third consecutive game at San Siro he finally got on the scoresheet, as well as providing an assist for Tomori to make it 3-0. He rarely made a wrong choice all game, was clean and clear-minded with the balls played to him, and with his first chance he struck. These signs leave hope that over the course of a season his contributions will become very valuable.

PETROL IN THE ENGINE
San Siro welcomed back Ismaël Bennacer, who had been out injured since the European semi-final first leg on 10 May. It's almost seven months since the Algerian set foot on the San Siro turf and he promises to be an extra weapon in this intense month of December, with many crucial fixtures coming up. As well as him, other injured players are set to return, too, to increase the options available for the Head Coach. In a period where absentees have accumulated game after game, we can now smile about Isma's return and start to look forward to those who will soon be back with us.  

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