AC Milan showed great character and determination as we fought from behind to secure a 3-2 win over Verona at San Siro on Saturday night.
The Rossoneri went into the half-time break 2-0 down as we produced a lacklustre and uninspiring performance in the first half which led to some concern over our ability to take anything from the game.
READ MORE: Milan player ratings vs Verona: Leao, Castillejo influential in comeback win
However, Olivier Giroud’s goal just before the hour mark sparked us into life just as we needed something, and it set us on our way to complete the comeback win which temporarily sends us top of the Serie A table and maintains our unbeaten start to the season.
Milan can’t afford to start so slow
While it was entertaining and ultimately a good night given the final result, Milan can’t afford to be that poor to start games moving forward.
Verona were excellent in the first half to their credit, but while we eventually got the better of them, we won’t win many of those type of games if we have to battle from behind against top sides.
We’ve improved in that area this season in general, but this game will serve as a reminder for the players that they have to be on top of their game from the get-go and not dig a hole for ourselves.
Pioli half-time words and changes work
While it started just before half-time with the introduction of Rafael Leao, Pioli’s tweaks and words at half-time undoubtedly made a big difference in this game.
Samu Castillejo was crucial off the bench too while our game-management was spot on from that point onwards as we got on the front-foot and looked in control.
The Milan boss deserves credit for playing his part in turning that around, as we looked out of sorts and tactically second best in the first half with no threat going forward and problems at the back.
Leao maturing into key player
It’s been a really impressive start to the season for Leao, as he is starting to turn more of his potential into tangible quality on the pitch.
The 22-year-old now has two assists and four goals in 10 appearances in all competitions thus far, while the numbers don’t tell the whole story as he is growing into a pivotal part of our attack.
He’s learning how to use his pace and technical skill to better effect, and combine that with a better attitude and acceptance of his responsibilities on the pitch, we’re finally seeing more from him.
Credit to Castillejo
The Spaniard has had a difficult time forcing his way into Pioli’s plans this season, as prior to Saturday night, he had managed just one minute of football this campaign.
While it’s to be expected to an extent, he still showed great professionalism and character to come on and make a difference when his teammates needed him this weekend.
That can’t have been easy for him given his lack of playing time, but he showed the right attitude and commitment from the minute he entered the game with his pressing, and he got his deserved reward with the ‘assist’ for the own goal which proved to be our winner.
Vital injuries and absences clear up
From Brahim Diaz to Theo Hernandez and the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic just working their way back now. Milan have a long list of injury concerns and absentees which is threatening to derail our season before it even fully gets going.
It’s hoped that we get as many of our players back as soon as possible to give Pioli a full-strength squad to choose from, as although the strength in depth is there this season, we need our best players available week in and week out to compete at the top level.
Time will tell how soon that comes, but with no let up in the schedule, it’s going to be a decisive factor in our chances of being successful this season.
