Notes On A Sometimes Hectic 2-0 Win At Benevento
The teams still missed many important players but Kjaer made a welcome return.
Benevento showed why they are an improving team, Pippo has the team running and working hard.
Benevento had a penalty shout denied and moments later Milan got a penalty for a coming together in the box. Perhaps both cases were debatable.
Kessie converted for an early Milan lead but minutes later a Tonali’s high leg – but no studs – had the ref checking the pitch side monitor and sent the young Italian off.
Diaz was taken off and Krunic came on for a more balanced 10.
The first half criticism remained that Milan were outplayed with Leao in particular not contributing as much as can be expected. To almost everybody’s surprise the Portuguese scored a highlight goal early in the second for a 2-0 lead. A counter was not dealt with properly and Leao just beat the onrushing goalie and shot from a sharp angle into the far corner.
Later Krunic brought down the man in the box but Gianluca Caprari shot the ensuing penalty wide.
Roberto Insigne and Gianluca Lapadula created chances and trouble for Milan but were unable to finish or beat the excellent Donnarumma. Kessie and Calhanoglu hit the Benevento post as well.
In the end Milan escaped with another 2 goals, for 17 matches in a row, and will definitely take the three points and shut out in advance of a midweek game versus Juventus.