It seems as if the dark days for AC Milan are now in the past. Gone are the days of the managerial rotating door, change of ownership, ineffective strikers, and so on. The Rossoneri find themselves out of the deepest pit and can only look up now. Yesterday’s match against Lazio was the latest indication that they have figured themselves out.
AC Milan Look Poised and Professional
The Results Thus Far
Milan finished last season in second place in Serie A. They finally returned to the Champions League and had a legitimate shot at winning the Serie A title. Their chase was cut short due to constant and nagging injuries to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ismael Bennacer, but at the end of the day, they achieved their goal of the top four.
Everything has gone according to script thus far this season.
The first match of the season came against Sampdoria. Milan were without a number of players, and they often struggled throughout the match. With that being said, the defence and new goalkeeper kept a clean sheet, while Brahim Diaz scored the winner. This was a major moment for Diaz, as he’s tasked with replacing Hakan Calhanoglu.
The second match was a show for the Milan faithful. Milan demolished Cagliari by a score of 4-1. Star boy Sandro Tonali scored a stunning free-kick, Rafael Leao earned a goal, and new signing Olivier Giroud strut his stuff with a slick brace.
Those matches, however, were expected victories for Milan. Their next match, against Lazio, was primed to be the first test of the season. Going into the match, Lazio looked like a rising juggernaut under new manager Maurizio Sarri. They demolished Empoli and Spezia with a combined score of 9-2. Sarri has a record of success with attacking in Italy, and he has star striker Ciro Immobile.
Milan, however, played an excellent match. They looked confident and believed they were the better team. Leao scored the opener. Kessie came back and looked great, and Ibrahimovic also made his season debut and marked it with a goal. Milan emerged victorious with a 2-0 win.
Coming Next
It’s early on in the season, but many can argue Milan look like the best team in Italy at the moment. Lazio, of course, have a loss now. Inter drew to Sampdoria this past weekend. Juventus are in disarray. Napoli and Roma, however, look improved from last season.
The remainder of this month, however, will be challenging for the Rossoneri. It starts as soon as Wednesday when Milan travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool. Expectations may be lower against a top opponent, but Milan are showing no signs of slowing down while they continue to become healthy. Olivier Giroud has now recovered from COVID-19 as well.
Milan also take on an angry (and potentially more motivated) Juventus squad, as well as reigning La Liga champions Atletico Madrid. They’ll have some breaks here and there against what should be easier opponents in Venezia and Spezia.
The month will be challenging, but Milan truly look different and are showing the poise and professionalism not seen for years at the San Siro.
Main Photo
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