Tactical Review of AC Milan’s 4-2 Comeback Win Over Juventus At The San Siro

AC Milan stunned Juventus with an incredible second half display to come back from 2-0 down to hammer the defending champions 4-2 in an empty San Siro. A deserved win that showed the quality on the squad. Here’s our review:

Kjaer Concussed and Romagnoli Dazed

After weeks perfectly in sync and entirely solid in defence, Kjaer and Romagnoli collapsed in the second half against Juventus with two quick errors that allowed the away side to go up 2-0 within 6 minutes. Romagnoli was in error on the first goal for not pressing nor closing down Rabiot and giving him the angle to shoot. Kjaer did well to track Higuain but ended up widening the gap for Rabiot. On the second goal, the duo completely failed to communicate as they both fumbled an easy clearance and bumped into each other leaving Ronaldo with an easy job to score. Kjaer did take at least two shots to the head and a clearance to the face thus it is surprising that he played the entire game but the duo had a tough night.

Ante Rebic Influential In Attack

The Croatian striker did well to continue his red hot streak by scoring his tenth Serie A goal of the season and the fourth of the game but he was crucial in the entire comeback. Rebic pressed in the box and won the penalty that got Milan back into the game. He constant runs puzzled Rugani and he was vital for the third goal where he run pulled Rugani out and he drew the foul, Leao was quick to play the advantage and score to get Milan in front. Finally, Bonaventura’s interception and lay off gave Rebic the opportunity to get his goal and he did well not to mess around as he buried the ball in the back of the net. He was the game changer.

Pioli Silences The Critics

What a season for the manager. Stefano Pioli is emerging as one of the most composed and professional managers in Milan’s history as he has had to deal with an entirely unprofessional management who are openly courting his replacement. Despite the breaking news last night on Ralf Rangnick, he put his head down and led his team to a second major victory in a row. He has slain Serie A’s top two sides in a week. Pioli has done a great job reviving this side after the Giampaolo mess at the start of the season and deserves credit for this.

Calhanoglu Brings The Flow

This game was a clear demonstration of Calhanoglu’s value over Paqueta and why the Brazilian is still likely on his way out. Milan played well in the first half but struggled in the final third as Paqueta lacks urgency to get moves going forcing Ibrahimovic to drop back to try and kick start the attacks. In the second half, Calhanoglu brought some really nice free flowing football that he was at the centre of. He puts in crosses and key passes getting the ball moving and into dangerous positions. Moreover, he presses hard and somehow manages to win back the ball high up the field and turnover the play despite his lack of speed. Calhanoglu may be inconsistent but his performances stand out and get us points.

Franck the Tank Returns

Oh how I have waited for this performance by the Ivorian. Kessie is such a stunning footballer when deployed in the right role. He completely bossed the midfield and bullied Bentancur all game. He and Bennacer were quick to dispossess Juve throughout and have an incredible chemistry at this point. Kessie showed his more attacking side in this game compared to the previous couple with more runs forward and even better distribution to open up the wings for Saelemaekers, Rebic and Calhanoglu. His goal was a thing of beauty as he wove his way through the defenders in the box and slotted home to tie the game up. Undoubtedly the MOTM.