Sergio Conceicao didn’t win on his touchline debut in Serie A as relegation-threatened Cagliari held his wasteful Milan aspect to a 1-1 draw at Stadio San Siro. In consequence, the hosts missed a wonderful alternative to cut back the hole on fourth-placed Lazio.
Buoyed by their outstanding Supercoppa Italiana triumph final week, Milan entered their first Serie A match of 2025 as favorites. Regardless of solely successful as soon as in seven league video games towards the tip of the calendar yr, the brand new vitality Conceicao has established had promised nice issues.
Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic excelled in Riyadh, but solely the latter lived as much as expectations at present. Nevertheless, it wasn’t sufficient for Milan to discover a breakthrough within the first half, although they’d 66% possession and generated eight photographs on aim, together with three on course. Cagliari’s protection headed into the break unscathed.
But, it took Milan a mere six minutes into the second half to take a well-deserved lead. The woodwork helped Cagliari goalkeeper Elia Caprile thwart Christian Pulisic’s low effort. Alvaro Morata was too fast within the follow-up to faucet house from level clean.
Milan didn’t accept a slim benefit however couldn’t discover the second to place the sport to mattress. It will backfire on the Rossoneri. Youssouf Fofana switched off for a slip second, and it was sufficient for Cagliari to attract degree by Nadir Zortea, although Mike Maignan’s atypically poor response facilitated the matter.
Conceicao’s costs continued to dominate the sport after conceding the equalizer however to no avail. Caprile loved a dream debut for Cagliari, keeping off Milan to reignite the membership’s fears about securing a coveted Champions League qualification.
With out additional ado, let’s have a look at our participant scores.
Milan (4-2-3-1)
Mike Maignan – 6
The Frenchman flew by the air to disclaim Mattia Felici’s try late within the first half. Nevertheless, there was a sense he may’ve finished higher to cease the aim.
Theo Hernandez – 7
His lofted move for Pulisic preceded the opening aim because the star left-back delivered one other reassuring efficiency beneath Conceicao. Omnipresent on the left flank!
Malick Thiaw – 6.5
Regardless of getting away with a number of sloppy interventions, the German center-back didn’t encourage confidence, although he fared fairly nicely in possession.
Fikayo Tomori – 7
Again to the beginning line-up in Serie A for the primary time since October, the ex-Chelsea ace was spectacular towards Roberto Piccoli, although he didn’t have a lot to do inside Milan’s penalty space.
Davide Calabria – 6
His defensive-minded strategy wasn’t suited to tonight’s sport, contemplating Milan had the initiative all 90 minutes. Ineffective within the last third!
Youssouf Fofana – 4.5
What was he considering shedding the ball like that after which letting the opposition participant jog previous him? His mistake resulting in Cagliari’s equalizer maybe greatest summarized his irritating night.
Yunus Musah – 6
His work ethic and dedication had been commendable, however his tried by balls usually lacked sharpness and precision.
Rafael Leao – 5
Milan wanted an X-Issue to interrupt down Cagliari’s low block. Sadly, the Portuguese famous person didn’t dwell as much as the billing, losing method too many balls.
Tijjani Reijnders – 5.5
Occasional flashes of brilliance couldn’t masks the Dutchman’s lackadaisical angle. He let his teammates down in a number of promising conditions on both aspect of halftime.
Christian Pulisic – 7
Every thing was swirling across the USMNT ahead. He was unfortunate to not rating, because the woodwork denied him twice within the second half.
Alvaro Morata – 7
Had it not been for the aim, it might’ve been one other sub-standard night time for the Spaniard.
Substitutes
Tammy Abraham – 5
