Milan secured another win this past weekend with a 2-1 victory over Spezia, as we remain unbeaten in Serie A and just two points off the top.
The Rossoneri were made to scrap for the three points on Saturday though as after Daniele Verde’s late equaliser, Brahim Diaz came off the bench to score the winner just six minutes later after Daniel Maldini had given us an earlier lead.
READ MORE: Milan player ratings vs Spezia: Maldini, Brahim Diaz decisive in key win
Stefano Pioli’s side held on this time and picked up the win, and after Napoli’s victory over the weekend, that leaves us in second place as their nearest rivals after six games, with 16 points on the board from our six outings.
Rotation still delivers results for Milan
Perhaps with one eye on Atletico Madrid on Tuesday and the busy schedule ahead, Pioli opted to rotate again this weekend to try and keep his squad fresh.
It ultimately worked as key individuals were able to rest for most, if not all, of this encounter, and it’s pivotal that the squad players knocking on the door for a bigger role make an impact when involved.
If Milan can find that balance, then we’ll hopefully be competitive across the board on multiple fronts throughout the year.
Kessie struggling
Whether it’s the injury that forced him to miss the start of the season or the distraction of contract talks which has knocked him slightly, Franck Kessie is not playing at his best.
He struggled again this weekend as we all know that he can dominate a midfield almost effortlessly with his physical strength and work ethic, but he’s struggling to get going at this moment in time.
It’s hoped that it’s merely just a case of building up his minutes and fitness before he rediscovers his best form, but Milan need him at his best sooner rather than later.
Brahim Diaz decisive again
Just six minutes after conceding the equaliser, Brahim Diaz stepped up, off the bench, to score our winner and secure three crucial points in the bigger picture.
If Milan want to compete for the Scudetto this season, these are games that we can’t afford to slip up in. It’s a positive and promising sign that we can grind it out and get wins even if not particularly convincingly, and Diaz is becoming a vital part of that process.
That’s now four goals and an assist in seven appearances across all competitions so far this season, as the Spaniard becomes a decisive and consistent presence in the final third for us.
Maldini legacy at Milan continues
From the relief of Daniel to the joy on Paolo’s face in the stands as he rose to his feet to applaud his son, it was a wonderful moment when Daniel Maldini scored his first goal for the senior side.
It was an excellent finish too as he found the back of the net with a thumping header, and it’s hoped that he can build on this now and use the confidence he’ll gain to his advantage.
While Milan evidently rate him highly and want to see him develop into a key figure in the senior squad, he has to start making more telling contributions like this one, but for now he can savour the moment and enjoy the achievement.
Pioli will hope to get key Milan players fully fit
As noted with Kessie above but similarly with Davide Calabria, Simon Kjaer, Ismael Bennacer, Olivier Giroud and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, we’re still dealing with a few issues across the squad.
With Atletico on Tuesday, followed by a trip to Atalanta on Sunday night and then games continuing to come thick and fast thereafter, there is no let up this season.
In turn, it’s vital we get a full-strength squad back at Pioli’s disposal as soon as possible, and it’s hoped that time comes in midweek and/or heading into the weekend in Bergamo.
