AC Milan picked up all three points in a 3-1 win over Dinamo Zagreb in our Champions League clash on Wednesday night.
Following our draw with RB Salzburg in our opening Group E encounter, the Rossoneri produced a strong performance at San Siro to register our first win in Europe’s premier competition in nine long years.
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It has been well overdue, and it will hopefully act as a catalyst for us to kick on and really make an impression in this season’s edition as we look to continue to improve and develop to be able to compete in Europe.
Olivier Giroud’s clinical penalty broke the deadlock just before half-time, and just minutes into the restart Alexis Saelemaekers doubled our lead.
However, Milan switched off shortly after and combined with some impressive play from the visitors they reduced their deficit before Tommaso Pobega came off the bench and wrapped up the victory for us with a stunning strike to register his first goal for Milan.
Naturally, there will be things that Pioli liked but also aspects that he was frustrated by in the game, but the most important thing was the outcome, and that was three vital points ahead of our double-header with Chelsea.
Saelemaekers adding all-important decisive touch
While we require a balance on our right flank from a defensive perspective given the level of influence Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez have on the left, we do need more quality when we attack down that side.
Whether it’s Saelemaekers or Messias Jr, we just haven’t seen enough of that so far this season and it has led to frustration at times with the club’s decision not to upgrade in that role.
Nevertheless, we shouldn’t downplay the important job that either Saelemaekers or Messias do defensively, and having now scored in both of our group games thus far, the former is starting to deliver in big moments and that is a huge boost.
Delight for Pobega after first Milan goal
What a moment for the Milan youth product as he not only scored his first senior goal for the club, but he did it in spectacular fashion on a European night at San Siro.
Having done well in the build-up to set Hernandez free down the left side, Pobega found space and time in the box and hammered his effort home off the crossbar to seal the win.
It’s a moment that he won’t forget, and as he gradually plays more and more minutes this season in a bigger role for the team, it’s hopefully a major confidence boost for him too.
Giroud continues to deliver
Not only did he have to battle up top as our lone frontman, but Giroud is having to do so every few days such is our hectic schedule and lack of alternatives due to injury.
The Frenchman is proving to be deadly from the penalty spot as he continues to score important goals, but he also continues to sacrifice himself for the team with his work ethic and desire off the ball.
With Ante Rebic and Divock Origi still out, Giroud will have to shoulder more responsibility and minutes on Sunday night against Napoli, and it’s hoped his teammates produce around him to continue to help him deal with that.
End of a long wait for Milan at San Siro in Europe
After nine years without a win at home in the Champions League, Pioli and the players finally ended that barren run with a deserved and comprehensive victory this week.
Following our long absence from the competition, last year was an important learning curve for the current squad as while we may have impressed domestically in recent years, we must raise and adapt our level to be successful in Europe.
While we may have been highly fancied to win this game, it was important that we secured all three points not only in terms of the group standings, but also for our own self-belief and confidence moving forward.
Pioli continues to manage squad sensibly
This really is a testing time for the Milan players, as with fixtures coming thick and fast and no let up until the winter break for the World Cup, they’re being asked to perform at a high level consistently every few days.
Naturally, rotation will be a vital part of Pioli’s job and he continues to manage the squad well with his changes to ensure there is no burn out and key individuals are rested when the time is right.
This may not be such an easy task if results don’t go our way, but ultimately for now and thus far, the Milan boss is managing the situation well and while we’ve been hurt by injury absences, those available will hopefully be ready to go again this Sunday in a crunch clash with Napoli.
