Just now getting to this post match and I won’t make it a super long one. But I did want to say just a couple of things and then we can enjoy the weekend without a game to worry about and hopefully see some of the other top 4 contenders drop some points. So let’s dive in…
I very much got my pre-match prediction, if I could call it that, wrong. I thought it would be another slog like the Roma game from last week (which I got right!). The lineup Allegri fielded only fueled my pessimism but thankfully it was misplaced as Milan put on a masterclass.
Bologna came out open and ready to play an aggressive game and rather than Allegri’s Milan sitting back as they are want to do, Allegri had his men pressing more and higher up the pitch. The result was that it caught Bologna off guard and they didn’t know how to account for this, resulting in a toothless attack and a ton of turnovers in advantageous positions. It was so lopsided that Milan generated 9, yes 9, big chances in the match to zero for Bologna.
It was a Milan headed by Allegri 2.0 we’ve only seen once or maybe twice before this, but boy was it welcomed. Loyal readers know I’ve been wanting more of this especially against inferior sides. I know small clubs tend to pack it in and Italiano likes to open things up, so it fit well here, but it CAN be just as effective vs those pesky minnows. As mentioned about a month ago or so, it’s what Inter does and they did it again this last round, scoring again within the first 20 minutes and cruising to all 3 points. I think Milan can do that too.
A few things I wanted to mention before moving on to the league wrap up and player ratings. First things first, Rabiot. YOU BEAST OF A MAN. My god. What a signing. Thank god he beat the sh*t out of his teammate at Marseille. Some of you will know that I was worried about offensive contributions from the midfield and with Rabiot only having 2 previous seasons where he hit double digit goals/assists in league play (and once more across all competitions), I didn’t think it would come from him. His 8 goals/assists already this season have been SO important on top of his manhandling the midfield and have cemented him as of right now, at least for me, as Milan’s best summer signing. Sorry, Modrić.
I loved that Leão didn’t go in and Pulisic didn’t even dress so both got much needed rest and recovery. I continue to love what I’m seeing from Athekame and Jashari. Athekame’s speed is impressive and this crossing ability continues to remind me of my beloved Pierre Kalulu. Jashari. That pass to Füllkrug off the bounce. MY GOD. What a gem. A shame Füllkrug didn’t score so it could’ve made the rounds and gotten even more eyes on it. Can’t wait to see more of both youngsters.
What Happened in Serie A
Recap time!
Inter (1st) got off to a hot start again, scoring early and beating Cremonese (15th) 0-2. Inter have won 4 straight league games and haven’t lost since the Derby della Madonnina. Napoli (3rd) got back to winning ways finally after going winless in their previous 3 and winning only once in their last 7 in all competitions, beating Fiorentina (18th) 2-1. Finally to wrap up the top 4, Juventus (4th) beat Parma (16th) 1-4. Juventus have scored 7 goals in their last 2 league games, conceding only once and helping their goal differential.
Roma (5th) continue their tough form, losing at Udinese (9th) 1-0. That makes them winless in their last 3 in all competitions and they have only won 2 of their last 6 games. High-flying Como (6th) came back down to earth despite putting Atalanta (7th) under assault all game. The game finished 0-0 but Como had an xG of 5.05 and Atalanta had an xG of 0.52. Safe to say Atalanta stole some points in this game.
Lazio (8th) used very late penalty to beat Genoa (14th) 3-2. How late? How about 10 minutes into stoppage time. Yikes. Sassuolo (11th) beat Pisa (19th) 1-3 to make it two in a row.
Cagliari (12th) continue their hot form…yes, you read that right…beating Hellas Verona (20th) 4-0. The win makes it 3 in a row and has them sniffing the magical 30 points range that is usually a good sign for avoiding relegation. Finally, Torino (13th) beat Lecce (17th) 1-0 to keep Torino firmly midtable, aka their usual spot.
Now, ratings.
Player Ratings
Goal Keeping
MAIGNAN 7 – Quiet game. Only 2 Bologna shots on target.
Goal Keeping Overall 7
Defense
DE WINTER 7.5 – Proving able to play anywhere in the back 3 and play it well.
GABBIA 7 – Was fine.
PAVLOVIĆ 7.5 – Nice return to action! Love seeing his runs forward. Always a nice wrinkle to have.
Defense Overall 7.5
Midfield
ATHEKAME 7 – Quality performance. Didn’t know he could whip in crosses with both feet. Milan didn’t miss Saelemaekers at all???
FOFANA 7 – I like games when he is box-to-box and never enters either of them.
MODRIĆ 7.5 – Quietly solid.
RABIOT 9 MOTM – Just about a perfect game. Did his midfield stuff but also involved in both open play goals. What a signing.
BARTESAGHI 7 – Solid game but left banged up. Maybe it was just cramps as I saw him leaning over, appeared to be trying to stretch out his hamstrings and/or calves.
Midfield Overall 7.5
Forwards
NKUNKU 8 – Was better than usual. Butchered that great cross from Athekame but slotted home a well-struck penalty.
LOFTUS-CHEEK 8 – I know. High for me but he had a solid game plus banged home the first goal. He also threaded the pass to Nkunku that led to the penalty.
Forwards Overall 8
Subs
TOMORI 6.5 – He played.
RICCI 6.5 – He played.
FÜLLKRUG 6.5 – Needed to score on that wonderful feed from Jashari.
JASHARI 7 – Man. Really can do everything needed in that DM role. And that pass that Füllkrug should’ve scored on was FIRE. Check out this screenshot right before he hit it. Great vision.
ESTUPIÑAN NA – He played.
Subs Overall 6.5
Coaching
ALLEGRI 8 – Got it completely right. Came out with a lineup that screamed conservative and did the opposite. Milan completely owned Italiano and Bologna and increased his undefeated record vs the top half of the table. So kudos, sir.
Final Thoughts
No game this week as the Como game got rescheduled to February 18th. Up next is Pisa on February 13th, so enjoy the weekend without a game to worry about and let’s see if those teams who competed midweek in the Coppa Italia drop some points. Here’s hoping…
Forza Milan.
gillis
