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AS Roma and AC Milan had to make do with a point each at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday night, as they played out a 1-1 draw.
La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) have published their analysis of the draw in the capital. Milan were bombarded by Roma in the first half (11 shots to one, three corners to zero), and yet there was a point where it looked like another perfect smash and grab.
In the 17th minute of the second half, a corner from Luka Modric was met by Koni De Winter’s header, to put Milan in the lead. The magician Allegri had done it again, yet Gasperini this time was able to respond to the trick, getting a point thanks to a penalty.
For Roma, it’s a first draw of the season, allowing them to draw level with Napoli behind the Milanese clubs. For Milan, it’s their third draw in their last five games, and now Inter are five points ahead at the top. A slightly bitter feeling for both, perhaps.
Where’s Leao?
Milan’s strong league position has clouded a feeling that the game at the Olimpico exposed: if they want to trim the gap to Inter, but also defend their Champions League spot, Milan can no longer afford to play for only one half and rely on Mike Maignan.
They must dare to play more courageously, like a truly great team, without leaving Christian Pulisic and Niclas Füllkrug on the bench, like yesterday, but seeking balance to allow the greatest possible quality on the pitch, allowing you to control the game and seize moments.
It’s time to act, not just react. Or Allegri’s men will continue to lose ground. And he needs to rediscover the real Leao: yesterday’s was his ghost. At the other end, Malen was the opposite: constantly involved, but wasting chance after chance.
A few months ago, even playing well – like they did against Inter – Roma would have lost a game like the one last night. They’re growing in confidence and seem more ready for head-to-head clashes and to duel at the highest level.
Capital punishment
Malen forced Maignan into action inside 20 seconds. He was the enemy for the Diavolo: every time he received the ball, he was a threat. The finishing just wasn’t there though, and Matias Soule was also guilty of missing the target from just inside the box.
Roma had 11 shots, five on target, in the first half. Milan only one: sky-high from Saelemaekers. If it were a boxing match, Roma were punching away in the centre of the ring, Milan defending with gloves on their faces. The Giallorossi did not land a big blow, though.
Allegri deployed Leao wide on the left, to keep Celik low and try to break through with Rabiot’s runs, but the Portuguese struggled to get into it. After a timid back heel in midfield, Allegri angrily turned to the bench, asking for someone to warm up.
Tale of two halves
La Gazzetta ask the question: are Milan under pressure for entire halves by design? We have now become used to a first half in energy-saving mode, to force the opponent to tire and punish them with Pulisic and Füllkrug.
The Rossoneri’s first shot on target after five minutes of the second half was already a clue. Zachary Athekame came on for Alexis Saelemaekers, who looked to be struggling with fitness and a hostile crowd.
In the 59th minute, Gasperini lost a key player: Koné limped off, causing considerable concern. Not long after, Ndicka gave away a silly corner that Milan took short, with Modric providing the delivery and De Winter the header.
It felt like it was all premeditated. Then, the coach could bring on Pulisic and Füllkrug for the killer blow. Yet, the Giallorossi found a moment to get a point, as Bartesaghi handballed Celik’s cross.
Despite the obstruction of Maignan (booked), Pellegrini confidently scored and restored the balance of justice on the pitch. Roma pushed for a winner, Milan had the odd foray, but the scoreline remained unchanged. ‘No one wins, except Inter’, the paper concludes.
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