Notes On A 2-1 Win At Sampdoria

The starting lineup carried a question or two as Diaz was preferred to Hauge. The latter had a starring role in the midweek game vs Celtic and was perhaps due a start. Bennacer missed the squad in what was called for fatigue reasons.
Diaz struggled to make an impact and the team looked indecisive and lacked a final finish. Rebic too was ineffective and missed a glaring chance which was saved of the goal line by Sampdoria’s Lorenzo Tonelli.
Still Milan controlled the possession better than the hosts.
Late in the half the ball came off Jakub Jankto’s hand when Hernandez headed the ball in the box. An unfair hand ball rule made Sampdoria fall behind when Kessie coolly converted the penalty.
Hauge came on in the second half and Milan increased their possession stat but again failed to convert.
The lead increased when Castillejo came on for Saelemaekers and with his first touch diverted the Rebic cross to double Milan’s lead.
Sampdoria attempted to get closer to Milan’s goal and had a few half chances. One the chances fell to Albin Ekdal whose shot after a set piece made it past the goal line. The goal line technology showed that Donnarumma reached the ball late. The same technology was used to deny Milan a third. The goal was yet another reminder of Milan’s struggles at set pieces.
A win away without some of the best and in form players was a welcome boost. so was the record of scoring a goal in 30 consecutive games.