Tactical Review of Milan's Slender 2-1 Victory Over Bologna at Home

AC Milan picked up a critical three points to keep them in the hunt for a Champions League spot. Borini and Suso found the net to carry Milan to a slender victory. Here's the game review:

LORD BORINI (SAVIOUR OF MILAN)

Milan barely scrapped the three points past Bologna but managed to win off a Fabio Borini winner. Borini once again came to Milan’s rescue similar to some performances he made last season scoring the winning goals by attacking the back post. Borini netted for the second time in Serie A this season, his goal was crucial and showed what Milan have been lacking from their wingers; follow up. Borini followed the ball after Paqueta hit the shot and he banged in a goal off the rebound. Considering how many long shots Milan take, the wingers should adopt a Boriniesque approach to score ugly goals from rebounds to finally lock down games. Also, note that Milan scored twice in a game for the first time since the derby (8 matches).

Mauri Shines

Following Lucas Biglia’s injury and the Bakayoko-Gattuso debacle on the sideline, Jose Mauri was abruptly thrown onto the pitch to play the regista role for the first time since his 10 minute cameo in January. Mauri performed admirably and perhaps made a case to receive some more game time in the final few games. He passing was decent and showed some good dribbling skills to wiggle his way out of tight spots. Mauri clocked his first assist for Milan setting up Suso’s first goal and did well to distribute the ball throughout the game. He seems destined to leave the club in the summer but Milan should look to utilise him effectively in the final three games considering the midfield crisis (Biglia injury, Paqueta suspension and Bakayoko drama).

Suso Dusts Off His Shoulder

What a relief for Suso. He finally bags a goal after a three-month drought. He celebration was eerily reminiscent of Gonzalo Higuain’s celebration against SPAL in the first half of the season. This could be a season changing moment where Suso dusts himself off and gets back to his top form for the final three games. Suso seemed more dangerous and aware against Bologna, he put in some good crosses and most importantly, did not look afraid to take on his man and that got him a goal. He will be unbelievably important in the final games of the season considering Paqueta is suspended as he is the prime creative force on the pitch again.

Donnarumma Larger Than Life

Milan’s top performer is still Gigio. His saves literally save Milan week after week. The unbelievable stop against Riccardo Orsolini kept Milan in the game as conceding in the 15th minute would have made the game incredibly complicated. Donnarumma has been covering a lot of the gaps in the defence and his terrific performances have saved Milan blushes multiple times. Milan still need work defensively as the concentration seems to dip in the final quarter of the game and Donnarumma cannot always produce saves as evidenced by Mattia Destro’s goal. Milan have three games and should be eyeing three clean sheets with Alessio Romagnoli back.

Something Is Not Right in the Dressing Room

The most concerning thing from the Bologna game was the spat between Bakayoko and Gattuso where abuse was exchanged. This builds upon a terrible couple months of discipline on the sidelines for Milan. The Kessie-Biglia spat, the Kessie-Bakayoko-Acerbi incident, the Lazio-Milan fight, the Paqueta red card, the Bakayoko lateness incident, the player’s clubbing and the retreat. Something is not right in the locker room. There should not be this much controversy in such a short span of time, Gattuso needs to get his command back. Although, I believe the media does exaggerate the severity of these issues, it still is an ugly colour on the club right now. The current Milan team was on the precipice of qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in 5 years and should show a stronger bond and team spirit, the current disunity in the locker room is disheartening.