Anyone who read up on Salernitana or their recent history before the match could have seen this scoreline coming. Apparently, most people did not read or expect a result like this, despite Pioli's prematch comments warning them as well. Obviously, it's still incredibly disappointing. Being at the top of the table for a week again was fun. Realistically, though, this match just demonstrated Milan's youth and inexperience yet again. If you look back, you'll see that the writing was on the wall.
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| Yeah, it was kinda like that |
Salernitana actually took the first shot, but it was the second one that scored... that is Messias' goal in just the fifth minute. Theo Hernández sent a great assist for the Brazilian, and he made it look so easy. 1-0 Milan. That was about as good as it got. Despite having eight players out, and losing Radovanovic in the 15th to injury, the little Seahorses from Salerno fought back.
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| Happy endings >> happy beginnings |
After an injury scare with Tonali, Maignan made a tragic error by coming out way too far, and Bonazzoli took advantage of the cross that came from it in the 29th. 1-1 all. All this while Leão was waiting for a penalty at the other end that never came. The ad boards ironically read "fortune favors the brave," but apparently not the cocky. Nor did it favor Bennacer, who saw yellow and will be suspended next week vs. Udinese.
Kessié replaced Bennacer at the half, and shortly thereafter, Leão spectacularly missed a bicycle kick by sending it over. Giroud seems to only be able to score at the San Siro, and this was no exception. Rebić replaced Brahim Díaz, whose size and skills were overwhelmed by the scrappy, physical play of the 20th place team.
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| He pulled up at one point, hope he's okay |
Maignan came out again to take on Bonazzoli in the 66th, but this time, Romagnoli had his back and saved it when he lost the duel again. Six minutes later, he would be beaten again, this time by Djurić, who parted Milan's defense as easily as Messias had parted theirs in the beginning. 2-1 Salernitana, the home crowd was going insane.
After Pioli brought on the Belgian Disruptor™, Saelemaekers, and Florenzi, it only took a few minutes for Rebić to find an equalizer. 2-2 all. That was basically it, both sides fought hard, with four cards for Milan and two for Salernitana. But the little team who was desperate and had that New Coach Smell™ stole points from the league leaders.
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| Lethal. |
That made six points in six games for Salernitana, the team that only had 14 in all, a run of form if they ever had one. Only this was a big one. Holding out for a draw against Milan was like a Scudetto win for a team with a recent injection of new players and fresh belief from a coach that saved Torino from relegation last season. Meanwhile, Milan made big mistakes and struggled to stay focused against a team that had nothing to lose and everything to play for. The writing was on the wall.
This post inspired by the music of Lush