It’s important to win at any cost and AC Milan delivered. After coming back to winning ways at San Siro, these are some possible interpretations.
NO TRIUMPHALISM
After the final whistle, we saw the joy among AC Milan players, all hugging each other to release the tensions and increase the group cohesion, but nothing more. After the match at San Siro, these phrases set the team’s position: “We have only won a match” and “We must not stop here, let’s focus on the next game”. Last night’s performance was a positive one from the team and the coach, who also showed great respect for the fans. The victory at home was important but it became an event. We should not take for granted the problems we have faced until today and we must keep our feet on the ground in order to continue improving.
THE FANS RESPONDED POSITIVELY
On Saturday from Milanello, Rino Gattuso tried to use his personal story and his affectionate relationship with San Siro’s crowd to help the team. He asked the fans for their support and the Red and Black fans responded positively. Despite the cold and the snow, 40 thousand people were present at San Siro. During the whole match, fans cheered on the boys and sang chants even in the toughest moments of the game. Every AC Milan fan is with Gattuso at this moment, with him and for him, showing their maximum support.
THE 4-MAN DEFENCE
It’s now or never. This is what coach Gattuso probably thought when making the umpteenth change in this campaign, risking the excess of rotation in a season in which this has been done quite a lot. Yet, Gattuso is a man who is not afraid of changes, thus decided to play in a 4-man defence against Bologna. Besides some small mistakes, which happen in any system of play, the 4-man defence worked out well.
THE FIRST-HALF PERFORMANCE
AC Milan’s first-half performance was definitely the best of last night’s match, especially in the offensive phase. The Red and Blacks showed self-confidence and determination up front, scoring a goal and creating several clear-cut opportunities. This is the attacking football coach Gattuso wants to see. The goal conceded to Bologna is part of the game. We have to consider that out of the team’s AC Milan have beaten this season at San Siro, coach Donadoni’s side is the one ranked highest in the table.
THE “NEW” JACK BONAVENTURA
To see him smile, everything has to be perfect. If not, he will not. It is difficult to see Jack pleased, he will never be satisfied with a mediocre performance. But here he is, he had never scored three goals in two games with AC Milan’s jersey, not even in his most prolific periods. Gattuso starting him closer to goal, both to play deeper and to score. Bonaventura has stepped up in an important stage of the season, and this can give further confidence to the whole team.
