Following the disappointing 2-2 draw against Lecce last weekend, AC Milan failed to get back to winning ways this evening as Roma secured all three points at the Olimpico. The Rossoneri certainly have themselves to blame, committing many individual errors.
Pioli’s men got off to a bright start as they were allowed to own possession, while also creating a few half-chances. However, the hosts managed to work their way into the game, resulting in both sides doing their best to gain control of the encounter.
In the 37th minute, Zaniolo won a corner for his side as Donnarumma was called into action to stop the youngster’s rocket. The Giallorossi made the most out of the set-piece as Dzeko headed in the opener, after Kessie completely lost track of the Bosnian in the box.
Milan then decided to push up in search of an equaliser. However, this left the Roma attackers with loads of space on the counter-attacks. After yet another misplaced pass by the Rossoneri, Pastore was through on goal but failed to find the back of the net as Donnarumma made an incredible save.
Therefore, the scores remained 1-0 as the referee blew the half-time whistle. Based on the first half, it was clear that Pioli’s men needed to eliminate all of the individual mistakes, which resulted in way too many dangerous chances for the home side.
However, despite the warnings, the Rossoneri continued to be careless in dangerous situations. Roma could have killed the game there and then, had they been more composed. Fortunately for Milan, they managed to escape a second at the start of the last 45 minutes.
Instead, Hernandez scored the equaliser as Calabria, who came on to replace Conti, found the Frenchman at the back post with a good cross. The Rossoneri got a bit lucky as the shot deflected off Smalling, thus making it impossible for the goalkeeper to keep out the ball.
The celebrations didn’t last long, though, as Calabria gave away the ball to Zaniolo deep in their own half. The youngster made no mistakes with the finish as he wrong-footed Donnarumma, finding a way past Romagnoli’s blocking stance. Back to square one for Pioli, who brought on Piatek and Bennacer to switch things up.
Milan continued to struggle against a very compact Roma side, only managing to create a few half-chances. The Giallorossi came close to extending their lead on several occasions but once again, they lacked composure. Therefore, the game finished 2-1 and the Rossoneri’s poor run of form continues.
It hasn’t been the start that Pioli was hoping for and the schedule indicates that it could get even worse for the Fiorentina man. In other words, he has a lot of work to do in order to claim his first three points.
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