Milan got back to winning ways this weekend with a vital victory over Benevento in the ongoing battle for Champions League qualification.
After back-to-back defeats in Serie A, the pressure was on Stefano Pioli and the players in this encounter as we could ill-afford dropping further points.
READ MORE: Milan player ratings vs Benevento: Calhanoglu instrumental, Ibrahimovic key
Fortunately, we came away with all three, which in turn moves us back into the top four in the standings, albeit perhaps temporarily depending on results on Sunday.
However, for this weekend at least it’s job done for Milan as the scrap for Champions League football could go down to the wire.
Win is a win for Milan now
At this stage of the season and with what’s at stake for Milan, a win is a win no matter what form it comes in.
While we could have made our night a lot more comfortable if we had been more clinical in front of goal, it wasn’t meant to be.
The important thing is that we did secure all three points and now wait to see if results go our way on Sunday, while the same approach applies to our remaining games in that we must win them by any means.
Ibrahimovic influence
The 39-year-old will be disappointed and frustrated that he couldn’t get on the scoresheet on his return to the starting XI, but his influence was obvious.
He demands more from his teammates, and that raises the level of our play. Further, his presence up front gives us a focal point to work off but his tactical intelligence also impacts the opposition’s defensive set up and pulls them out of position.
Naturally, we’ll hope that he can find his scoring boots next weekend against Juventus. However, having Ibrahimovic back fit and playing is a major boost in itself.
In form Calhanoglu vital
When Calhanoglu is in form and pulling the strings in the final third, it usually leads to positive things for Milan in general.
The Turkish international is still not as decisive and consistent as we need him to be, but he is always looking to get on the ball and make things happen.
If he can rediscover his best form between now and the end of the season, it will provide us with a huge lift at just the right time.
Romagnoli returns
A lack of playing time and having to partner a ‘new’ teammate in Fikayo Tomori meant that there were some red flags when the starting line-up was announced.
However, the club captain showed his quality with a solid performance. Put in a great shift defensively from an individual point of view, but looked comfortable slotting in alongside Tomori.
We should all be aware of his frailties by now and he can be vulnerable in certain situations. However, he’s our captain and a fine defender, and it’s hoped he can provide us with a solid platform in these last few games of the season if he stays in the side.
Momentum, confidence critical now
After picking up this win, the hope is that Milan will now play with more confidence and freedom to secure more convincing wins in the coming weeks.
Those back-to-back defeats at such a pivotal time in the season would have been a major blow to both Pioli and the squad’s confidence, and there were signs of nerves at times on Saturday night.
However, we’re back winning and that breeds confidence. We’ll need that in the tough upcoming assignments to finish the season well and achieve our main objective.
