A much changed Milan team that however included Ibra in the starting 11 needed a shootout to beat Torino.
The round of 16 Coppa Italia match is certainly not the highest priority. Kessie, Calhanoglu, Theo and Gianluigi Donnarumma started on the bench. The former three took some part in the gamer despite rest being very much needed. The latter got sent off while on the bench with the referee once again in the thick of things.
Torino were generally poor and Milan had some bad luck with three posts and poor missed by Diaz in particular. Leao missed a good chance close up to Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, the Torino goalkeeper.
Primavera player Giacomo Olzer made his senior debut and in the few minutes looked lively, the man of the match though was Pierre Kalulu who started in his more familiar right back role.
Tatarusanu saved Tomas Rincon’s penalty and Milan converted all five to advance and will meet either Inter or Fiorentina in the Coppa quarter finals.

Franck Kessie 1 – 1 Andrea Belotti
Theo Hernandez 2 – 2 Sasa Lukic
Sandro Tonali 3 – 3 Lyanco
Alessio Romagnoli 4 – 3 Tomas Rincon X
Hakan Calhanoglu 5 – 4 Vanja Milinkovic-Savic

Starting Lineup: 4-2-3-1

99

Donnarumma

2

Calabria

24

Kjær

13

Romagnoli

19

Hernandez

8

Tonali

79

Kessié

7

Castillejo

21

Díaz

15

Hauge

17

Leão

Substitutes

The 27 match league unbeaten streak dating back to Spring 2020 is over. An injury and COVID-19 affected team couldn’t contain Federico Chiesa and Juventus and succumbed 3-1. The make shift team included Calabria as a midfielder fought well at times but Juventus were too good and took advantage of some questionable defending as well. The referee’s influence was apparent of course and both teams’ fans had a lot to say about calls and non-calls.

How the team rebounds will give further indications on the state of team that surprised and surpassed all expectations in 2020. The injury issue is still very much in effect. Although Ibra is back in the squad it is perhaps not wise to count on him for this week 17 match. Calhanoglu developed an ankle problem after the Juve match and while he is also in the squad his status is not certain in the hours leading up to the match. The rest of the absentees are either few days or in Gabbia’s case weeks away.

Donnarumma, Calabria, Kjaer, Romagnoli and Theo will be starters of course. The latter two were caught out by Chiesa, Paulo Dybala and Juve and need to get back to form. Tonali returns from his one game suspension and allows Calabria to move back to his usual spot. Kessie will partner the young Italian. Diaz, Hauge, Castillejo will start behind Leao. If Calhanoglu is somehow ready he will be in this spot. The Turkish international had good moments versus Juventus drifting left and exchanging positions with Hauge. The Norwegian hasn’t shone whenever he has gotten minutes in recent weeks but like most young players new to Serie A that is not unexpected. Leao had a good week 16 first half but faded in the second.

This will be Marco Giampaolo’s first meeting with Milan since his departure in the fall of 2019. His team is relatively healthy and while Torino remain relegation threatened (17th and only three points ahead of 20th placed Crotone) they haven’t lost in their last four Serie A games (1 win, 3 times).
The two teams will meet again in three days for the Coppa Italia round of 16 matchup.

Follow the match as it happens, on the forum.

Starting Lineup: 4-2-3-1

99

Donnarumma

2

Calabria

24

Kjær

13

Romagnoli

19

Hernandez

10

Çalhanoğlu

79

Kessié

7

Castillejo

21

Díaz

15

Hauge

17

Leão

Substitutes

Week 15 was hectic and eventful. Playing a Benevento team that has been improving and winning points was to present a challenge. Being without several first team players added to the test. Penalties, non penalties, a penalty miss and red made for an unforgettable game. In the end the 2-0 win extended Milan’s time at the top of the table and extended the record of scoring two goals or more to 17 games.

Playing the defending Serie A champions is another proposition. The Juventus team is a changed one from its previous seasons. With a novice coach at the helm and a somewhat younger team the team hasn’t been the most convincing but seem to be close to finding form. Obviously the team is off the pace in the standings in 5th place and 10 points behind Milan, though with a game in hand.

On the day of the match news arrived that Rebic and Krunic have tested positive for COVID-19 and are self isolating. Milan are still missing Ibra, Bennacer, Gabbia and Saelemaekers. Kjaer made a welcome return at Benevento and was a solid leader. Somewhat foolishly Tonali got himself suspended from this week 16 encounter with a red. The midfield if ofcourse lacking in personnel and the most likely option alongside Kessie is Calhanoglu. There are other options and one is pushing Calabria to that position and letting Conti or Dalot play as right backs. Diaz started as a nominal right winger versus Benevento but wasn’t impressive so it is likely that Castillejo will reclaim his spot. This would be with Rebic and Calhanoglu lining up behind Leao but with the virus affecting the team again Diaz and Hauge are very likely to get starts. Calhanoglu was chosen as the Serie A player for the month for December and in the midst of contract talks could yet receive a big raise from his current €2.5 million per season salary. Leao scored a great goal to give Milan the 2-0 lead but needs to be more present and hard working for the whole 90.

Speaking of contract talks. The Donnarumma situation keeps dragging on and despite numerous reports of an imminent signature his agent keeps pushing things back. The player himself has professed his love for Milan but it hasn’t translated to action off the pitch. Fortunately the love has been very evident on the pitch. In front of the young goalie Theo will make a welcome return from his one game suspension.

On Juventus’ side, on Monday it was revealed that Alex Sandro has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss this game, it was further revealed that Juan Cuadrado has tested positive as well. There are some calls for caution and postponement of this game but it is likely to go on and Juventus will also miss Alvaro Morata with a thigh muscle issue.

Follow the game as it happens, on the forum.

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.