MN: Saelemaekers struggles, Maignan-Colombo clash – up-close details from Roma-Milan

It is difficult to deduce whether AC Milan’s draw against Roma is one point gained or two dropped, but the fall-out from the game continues.

As MilanNews reports, Massimiliano Allegri’s attitude during injury time told us his thoughts. With a free-kick for Milan in the dying seconds of the game, instead of opting for the more traditional long balls into the penalty area, the coach encouraged Modric to play calmly to let time wind down.

There will be plenty of room to discuss the tactical nature of the match. On the face of things, Milan gained one point on Napoli and maintained their lead over Roma. Inter are now five points away, but the Scudetto isn’t the objective this season.

Allegri confirmed this in his response to a question in the post-match press conference: “Regarding Inter, we’re not thinking about things, but about ourselves. It’s a difficult period. We’re continuing to play away from home.

“In the last few games, we’ve played six away and three at home. We’re thinking one thing at a time. As I always say, Milan’s goal is to finish in the top four. Whether someone has the ambition to do their best is another matter, but the reality is that Milan must finish in the top four.

“We’re currently second, but we still have a long way to go. And there’s a lot to improve on. Athekame came on and had a good game, and De Winter is also growing well. So, let’s stay calm, keep our feet on the ground, and focus on what we have to do.”

Photo by AC Milan

Notable incidents

The report relays two stories that concern individual players. The first in chronological order is Alexis Saelemaekers’ night, upon his return to the Stadio Olimpico that he called home last season.

The Belgian – with only one full training session under his belt after suffering an adductor strain – started the game and was showered with jeers. After a courageous dribble and shot as his first move he then retreated, suffering from fitness and a hostile environment.

More strange is Mike Maignan’s yellow card. The goalkeeper – while preparing to try and save Pellegrini’s penalty – was inadvertently hit on the foot by referee Colombo. He wasn’t happy with the decision either, as he revealed post-match.

The Frenchman reacted with an angry gesture, clearly unhappy that the referee had come into contact with him. A yellow card was issued to Maignan when more leniency was possible, especially with the official largely at fault.