Sampdoria 1-4 AC Milan: The positives for the Rossoneri – duo continues to combine well

AC Milan got the job done against Sampdoria this evening, finding the back of the net four times to pave the way for a comfortable win away from home. The Rossoneri’s quality is undeniable at this point and the decision to keep Stefano Pioli for next season is looking more and more like the right one. 

Zlatan Ibrahimovic got Milan off the mark after just four minutes with a nice header, picked out by Ante Rebic in the box. The latter made use of his trademark turn while shielding the ball, easily beating his man before adding the assist to his tally. In the second half, it was time for Ibra and Hakan Calhanoglu’s show. 

The Swede did really well to find the No.10 in the box, opting to do so rather than trying to score himself. Calhanoglu didn’t make any mistakes with the finish and although the referee initially disallowed it, VAR overturned the decision. The Turk returned the favour five minutes later, setting up Ibrahimovic for his brace.

Gigio Donnarumma was then forced into action, saving a penalty in the 78th minute to keep his clean sheet intact. Unfortunately, Sampdoria managed to pull one back in the final minutes thanks to a stunning strike from long range. Rafael Leao finished it all off with the fourth goal in injury time, which certainly is a boost for him.

Most of the Milan players did really well and it would be hard to pick out two flops. Therefore, down below are the positives for Stefano Pioli’s men, who will take on Cagliari in the final round on Saturday evening.

Calhanoglu and Ibrahimovic: The duo has been on fire as of late, responsible for a total of eight goals and eight assists in the last five games. More importantly, they have managed to pick out each other on the pitch, combining on several occasions to either score or create dangerous chances.

The Swede’s contract will expire at the end of the season and it will be important to lock him down for next season. As for the Turk, a renewal is needed as well given that his deal will expire next summer. Hopefully, they can continue their impressive partnership next season.

Donnarumma saves another penalty: The 21-year-old has been one of the Rossoneri’s best players since the restart, earning the captain’s armband as Alessio Romagnoli is out with an injury. He first wore it against Atalanta and managed to save a penalty – this was replicated this evening.

Although it wasn’t the best of penalties, he guessed the right way (the same as against Atalanta) and was praised by his teammates afterwards. He has now saved eight penalties in his career, four of which have come this season and there is no doubt that he has a bright future ahead with the club.

Leao scores important goal: The Portuguese striker came on during the interval to replace Ante Rebic, who will miss the final game due to the yellow card accumulation. Therefore, Leao will most likely get the chance from start against Cagliari and tonight’s performance confirmed this.

He looked promising and managed to use his main features – pace and dribbling – well to beat his opponents. He crowned the display with a nice finish to beat the goalkeeper, scoring what is a very important goal for his confidence. Hopefully, he can perform just as well on Saturday.

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