With so many players missing and Milan struggling so much away this season in those white kits, a trip to the Bentegodi was never going to be easy. But we probably never expected it to be that painful, either. Pioli played with the formation, his tactics, and lineups due to all of the missing players, and it did not always go well for us. We also conceded a goal that was deflected into our own net, which is never fun to watch, either. But we did get to see some players get some playing time that we have not seen much of, and thanks to Tonali, we actually did get the 2-1 win. Still, it was a win to forget.
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| Take the 3 points and move on to the next match |
I can only assume that for Pioli's 150th Milan match, he chose to compensate for missing players such as De Ketelaere, who has been more important to our attack than people give him credit for. Pioli started with a 4-3-3, and gave Adli a start and 60 minutes in a spot that was not preferred. But at least we got to see that he is still alive and at Milan. Pioli's idea of having Theo Hernández cut inside more was not an effective tactic.
The opening goal was a result of a Leão shot in the ninth, although it was an own goal by Veloso, 1-0 Milan. Poor Leão deserved the credit, he did all of the work, but at least Milan were up. However, in an uncomfortable irony, Günter's shot in the 20th at the other end was also deflected into our net by Gabbia (although the goal was awarded to the Verona player). 1-1 all.
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| Stealing Leão's thunder... |
Milan's chances were relatively limited in the first half, and both Krunić and Kalulu made nice blocks for us against a very attacking Verona side. While they may have been energized and inspired by their new manager, Bocchetti only got a yellow card in the 40th to show for his first official Serie A match as manager.
Pioli wised up and brought on Origi for Giroud and Rebić for Brahim Díaz at halftime. He was rewarded almost immediately with a venomous Rebić shot that Montipó somehow saved. However, Bocchetti's sub was also impactful and hit the crossbar at the other end, followed by a Günter rebound that went just over.
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| Nice to see Adli for an hour, even if the conditions were not ideal for him |
Pioli saw his sub and raised him Bennacer and Pobega for Adli and Krunić respectively, shoring up that midfield that was so needed against this tenacious Verona side. After a few Verona yellows, Milan were back on the attack, with Theo's shot saved in the 76th, followed by a powerful Rebić header that Montipó also saved, and his rebound going just over. Theo, wearing the captain's armband, would then get his token yellow card "Stay behind the yellow line."
Then the miracle happened. Leão passed it to Rebić, who sent it into Tonali, who nutmegged Montipó for the game winner. 2-1 Milan. Such a relief in such an ugly game, and so thrilled for Tonali, who loves scoring at the Bentegodi.
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| 100% big game player, 200% Milan fan. |
This was also enough for Pioli to have the faith to give about ten minutes to Thiaw for his Milan debut. That faith was rewarded almost immediately as the 6'4" (1.93m) German defender made a great block on De Paoli that was so impressive, the Verona players called for a VAR check, because they could not believe that he did not use his hands. But he didn't. He was particularly helpful in keeping the 6'6" (1.98m) Djurić out of our net, as well as the other Verona players, who did all they could in stoppage time to try to at least get the point.
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| Battle of the giants... Thiaw did well on his debut |
Rebić got his token yellow card out of the way in the 90th minute, and both Origi and Tonali had shots in stoppage time as well, but were not able to score. Montipó had five massive saves, and although Verona actually had a few more shots than Milan, Milan were comparable with shots on target.
Thanks to Tonali's goal, we were able to salvage what was a very poor game from Milan. Chalk it up to injuries, Pioli's tinkering with lineups and tactics, the white kits, or just a tough stadium, but this was a win to forget.
This match inspired by the music of Portishead's "Sour Times"
Reviewed by Elaine
on
11:58 PM
Rating:
