5 Things we learned after Sassuolo 1-4 AC Milan

After three consecutive draws AC Milan turn the page and finally offer a convincing performance against Sassuolo away from home.

1- Suso, AC Milan’s best player behind Higuain 

In the last few games Gennaro Gattuso had to deal with the important absence of Gonzalo Higuain. The Argentine striker suffered an injury in training and had to miss AC Milan’s last two games with Empoli and Atalanta. He has returned to training now but will not be part of the starting eleven that will face Olympiacos in Europa League.

During this time it was up to Suso to become the beacon of his team and lead the Rossoneri out of a difficult period. He did very well against Empoli but in his 101-st match with the Red and Black jersey the Spaniard excelled. The 24 year old right winger was simply unstoppable against Sassuolo and managed to score two spectacular goals.

With accurate passes, dribbling and long-range shots he was simply to much to handle for the Sassuolo defense. Hopefully he will be able to replicate his performances more often this season and finally cement his status as of the the finest in Serie A. AC Milan need a leader up front and besides Higuain Suso is their best player.

2- Castillejo destined to be a hit

During the presentation conference of the last purchases Paolo Maldini would declare: “Samu Castillejo intrigues me a lot, he can be a great surprise considering his personality and his characteristics”. The legendary number 3 backed the Spanish talent for success in Italy and so far the 23 year old has delivered.

Against Sassulo, Castillejo was one of the best on the pitch and in his debut league match from the first minute he found his first goal in Serie A. The former Villarreal made an immediate impact in his first game with the Rossoneri jersey against Roma and in his only 2 games as a starter Samu has scored one goal and has provided one assist. A good start.

Paolo’s prophecy seems destined to come true sooner than anyone expected. The Spaniard has adapted very well at San Siro and is becoming a threat for both Suso and Calhanoglu. Finally coach Gennaro Gattuso has a worth alternative on the wings.

3- Caldara must start instead of Musacchio

The central duo Alessio Romagnoli-Mateo Musacchio is working well but not well enough. The Rossoneri have conceded at least a goal in each of the first six league games and errors in defense have been quite costly for the Red and Blacks. If Champions League qualification for next season still remains an objective then the defenders need to up their game urgently.

The first six Serie A games have also proved why Musacchio was never a starter last season. The Argentine centre back is not constant and despite good interventions throughout the match he fails to keep up the form during the entire 90 minutes. That’s why Caldara’s contribution is urgent.

The former Juventus arrived at San Siro in exchange for Bonucci but luck hasn’t been on his side. Initially Caldara needed to adapt in a back line of four and after a good debut in Europa League he was ready to start also in Serie A. An unexpected injury changed plans. His situation seems more serious than initially though and he should return on the pitch after the international break, right on time for the derby. Until then, Musacchio must do a better job in defense.

4- Calabria needed a rest

Davide Calabria was one of the best Rossoneri in the first two games against Napoli and Roma but failed to repeat himself in the last two against Atalanta and Empoli. In both those games the 21 year old full-back was often caught off guard and was a protagonist in negative in some of the goals conceded.

A slight injury might have had an effect but whatever the case he needed to take some time off. Ignazio Abate was simply superb with Sassuolo. The veteran right-back made some crucial interventions and saved Milan from a sure goal when the result was still 0-0. Calabria should return in the starting eleven against Olympiacos on Thursday, fresher then ever.

5- Milan needs the real Hakan

Something strange is happening with Calhanoglu this season. The Turkish maestro excelled in his first match against Roma but we have not seen anything productive from him ever since. It’s hard to decipher what’s going on with Hakan, perhaps the divorce from his wife is having an impact on his performances.

Coach Gennaro Gattuso has declared that “Calhanoglu suffers mentally every time he makes a mistake. After one simple error he feels the entire world is coming to an end“. The situation must improve and Rino should stay close to his player and help him through this difficult period.

Thankfully against Sassuolo he did quite well. He offered a good display but compared to his attacking colleagues Calhanoglu remains behind. Perhaps some more confidence could be the trick. 

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