Week 2: Milan – Cagliari
Week 1’s one 1-0 win at Sampdoria didn’t provide too many surprises. The team did well but but there was little in the sense of new revelations in tactics or approach. There were flashes from the likes of Leao and Tonali. Giroud somewhat misfired. Maignan had couple of heart in mouth moments but was very solid otherwise. Tomori was a wall. Calabria, as captain, continued where he had left off last season. Theo was still being individualistic and when passing or attempting a final shot was way ward. Krunic’s start was explained with that Bennacer was not fully ready. Florenzi made his Milan debut. Diaz started in excellent form and scored the only goal of the match. One late sub caught the eye. Romagnoli came on for Calabria with mere minutes left and the two players exchanged the captain’s armband. Despite continuous rumours little has been said about the status of Romagnoli. The team can not risk losing him for free next summer but will he even want to stay as a full or part time bench player. The management have lots to do in the final days of the window having also been given another headache in the form of Kessie’s apparently high demands.
The starting line up versus Cagliari is not expected to differ much from the norm, perhaps Bennacer will regain his starting spot in Krunic’s place. Pioli was very complementary of the Bosnian in the news conference leading up to this week 2 match. Most fans would beg to differ.
Maignan seems to be good ball playing goalkeeper and the team will grow in confidence with him with more minutes and games together. There is little indication that the Tomori and Kjear partnership will be broken up so they will line up at the back. Kessie is working hard to return to the lineup but may end up leaving if his contract issue is not settled. His agent has asked for more than Milan are willing to offer and judging by how Maldini and co dealt with Donnarumma and Calhanoglu’s demands anything can happen. More depth may and frankly must be on it way for the right wing and central attacking midfield position but for this match Diaz, Leao and Saelemaekers will line up behind Giroud.
Cagliari opened the season with a 2-2 tie versus Spezia. Joao Pedro scored both of Rossoblu’s goals. Dalbert, Kevin Strootman and Diego Godin are few of other familiar names on the Sardinian team.
Follow the match as it happens, on the forum.