Mark Bennacer at the start of the second half, in the final cross of Pavoletti: third defeat in a row for the rossoblù
CAGLIARI. No way. Cagliari are unable to avoid the third defeat in a row, losing at home to Milan 1-0 at the end of a match in which more shortcomings than merits emerged from the rossoblù team. The late awakening caused the thrill of the crossbar hit by Pavoletti one minute from 90 ‘. Too little to be able to hope to come out unscathed in front of a Milan that, despite not being a great day, still deserved to win.
The match was decided by a goal from Bennacer in the 14th minute of the second half. But before and after Milan had several very big chances to score. Cagliari, on the other hand, has built little. The only positive note may be that compared to the two bad performances against Lazio and Spezia, this time there was no lack of commitment and determination. Which bodes well for the last eight matches, starting with the away match in Udine after the national team stop.
Start of Cagliari that in the first minutes tries to look forward but Milan immediately shakes up and collects a few opportunities. At 6 ‘the first goal ball is for Giroud, the Frenchman receives the ball on a rebound in the area but incredibly pulls out of the mirror.
At 13 ‘AC Milan again in evidence: Kessie’s big blow from outside the box and a post to Cragno’s left. A minute later it’s Brahim Diaz’s turn to kick out after being face to face with the rossoblù goalkeeper.
A blaze that seems to go out, so much so that Cagliari replies in the 37th minute with a shot from outside the area by Grassi but does not hit the mirror.
The second half opens with a great shot from distance by Theo Hernandez that Cragno flies to smanacciata for a corner. At 14 ‘the advantage of Milan arrives: quick action at the edge of the area and a volley by Bennacer who leaves no chance for Cragno.
Cagliari’s reaction? Weak. At 25 ‘there is a shot by Grassi deflected by Joao Pedro that Maignan easily blocks. There is the heart to support Cagliari’s hopes more than an orderly and effective game. Another shot by Joao, shot by Deiola, is fouled by a Milan defender in the half hour.
At 38 ‘, after Mazzarri’s desperation move that inserts Gaston Pereiro and Keita, Milan goes very close to doubling with Calabria who shoots from 4 meters and finds Cragno ready for the miraculous parade. With the strength of desperation at the last minute Cagliari almost equal: a cross from Zappa and Pavoletti splits with a dive head hitting the crossbar with Maignan beaten. The last thrill of the match that once again said no to the rossoblùs.
Cragno; Goldaniga, Lovato, Altar; Bellanova (36 ‘st Pereiro) Grassi (36’ st Keita), Marin, Dalbert (30 ‘st Zappa), Lykogiannis (23’ st Deiola); Joao Pedro, Pavoletti. (1 Aresti, 31 Radunovic, 44 Carboni, 23 Ceppitelli, 33 Obert, 39 Kourfalidis, 32 Ceter). Coach: Mazzarri.
Milan (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Calabria, Kalulu, Tomori, Theo Hernandez; Bennacer, Kessié; Messias (33 ‘st Saelemaekers) Brahim Diaz (26’ st Krunic), Leao (26 ‘st Rebic); Giroud (42 ‘st Ibrahimovic). (1 Tatarusanu, 83 Mirante, 5 Ballo Touré, 25 Florenzi, 46 Gabbia, 13 Romagnoli, 8 Tonali, 41 Bakayoko). Coach: Pioli.
Referee: Di Bello from Brindisi.
Network: in the 14 ‘Bennacer st.
Note. Stoppage time: 0 ‘and 4’. Corners: 6-5 for Cagliari. Warned: Bellanova for misconduct. Spectators 12.309.