AC Milan secured a 4-2 win over Udinese as we opened up our Serie A campaign with three points in a thriller at San Siro.
The Rossoneri were slow out of the blocks as we conceded a poor goal just two minutes in, and while there was another setback just before half-time, we did enough to get the job done and begin our Serie A title defence with a victory.
READ MORE: Milan player ratings vs Udinese: Rebic, Brahim Diaz shine in opening-day win
Stefano Pioli will know that there is still plenty of work to be done to improve on that performance, but the important thing was to start positively and we also certainly saw a lot of good things in this outing to give us hope that we’ve picked up from where we left off and will start strongly.
Pioli’s well-oiled winning machine returns
While there were setbacks along the way, that winning habit was on display again as we responded well after going behind and eventually finished the job off.
On our way to the Scudetto last season, that was a key aspect of that title charge as we just found a way to win whether it was pleasing on the eye or not.
There was a mix of both in this one, but with a squad that is very familiar with each other and settled, it was clear that the players knew their jobs and eventually came through.
Welcome return to form for Diaz
It was a real struggle for Brahim Diaz last season as he managed just four goals and four assists in 40 appearances in all competitions.
The Spaniard couldn’t find that creative touch nor the eye for a goal, and that was a real frustration for him as he then saw his place in the side come under real threat.
This was the ideal start for him as he bagged a goal and an assist, and particularly with the competition for places ramping up this year, he needed to showcase his quality to stake a claim.
Landmark outing for Calabria
That’s 150 Serie A appearances for Davide Calabria, and with the captain’s armband on too, it was a memorable night for him.
Having established himself as a real staple of the side, he’s a consistent figure and presence in the side and he’ll be looking to continue to kick on and rack up many more appearances.
With the experience that he’s now gained as well, coupled with the attachment to the club having come through the youth ranks, it’s so pleasing to see him continue to impress.
Rebic delivers at key time
Playing up top hasn’t always suited Ante Rebic, but with Olivier Giroud coming back from a knock and Zlatan Ibrahimovic ruled out, Pioli needed him to do a job this past weekend.
That’s exactly what he delivered with a brace and combined with his work ethic off the ball, he played a crucial role in guiding us to victory.
With the preference for playing with more of a focal point and physical presence up front, it remains to be seen how often Rebic gets to play in this position, but he’ll no doubt continue to deliver and do his job for the team wherever he’s deployed.
Positive first look at De Ketelaere
As our main marquee summer signing, there was a lot of hope and expectation to see Charles De Ketelaere make his Milan debut and he made an appearance in the latter stages.
Despite only having around 20 minutes on the pitch, the Belgian youngster showed glimpses of his quality and creative ability which are key attributes that will add a new dynamic to our attacking line.
It’s the right strategy from Milan and Pioli to gradually bring him into the fold as he also builds up his fitness, and so we can look forward to seeing much more from him in the coming weeks as he continues to adjust and adapt.