Coach Rino Gattuso could not have been very happy with the way his team struggled to a 2-2 draw with Serie A bottom dwellers Benevento. Goals from Jack Bonaventura and Nikola Kalinic helped the Rossoneri save face in what was an underwhelming performance. Here are five things we learned from the match versus Benevento.
The defence is inconsistent, to say the least
Though the second equalizing goal can somewhat be chalked up to a fluke, the fact remains that Milan’s defence is very hot and cold. The Rossoneri backline can have an impressive run of successive clean sheets, only to concede twice to a struggling Benevento side.
It’s unimaginable what was going through the head of Mateo Musacchio as he helplessly watched himself get beaten to the ball by the opposition’s keeper. It’s also unclear what Alessio Romagnoli was thinking going to ground already on a yellow card. Ultimately, given the talent at the back, much more will be expected of this defensive unit.
Jack Bonaventura has been sorely missed on the left wing
One of the few bright spots from this game has to be the play of Jack Bonaventura. The player’s absence on the left wing, whether consequent to injury or formation, has left a significant void in Milan’s attacking prowess.
With a goal and assist to his credit versus Benevento, this should hopefully be a thing of the past. Bonaventura is conceivably the player that will benefit most from new coach Rino Gattuso’s preference to play with three attacking players.
Gattuso will need time to turn this team around
Milan’s new coach surely has his work cut out for him. Psychologically, for a team that at the beginning of the season was touted to be destined for the Champions League, if not outright contenders for the Scudetto, to now be languishing in the middle of the table, much work must be done to rebuild player confidence.
Considering the fact that this Milan squad has lined up in a seemingly innumerable amount of formations, the first step will be to provide some sense of consistency and build from there.
Forward passes are back in fashion
The era of only seeing Milan players pass the ball sideways and backwards has seemingly come to an end. To be sure, there were several wasted passes going forward. However, the Rossoneri were finally once again able to start creating chances in the opposing half – something that has been sorely missing in Serie A for several weeks.
Franck Kessie is still Milan’s most impressive signing of the summer
Franck “The Tank” Kessie proved once again today that he is a talent to not be trifled with or questioned. Whether he’s charging down the field on a solo run of 50 yards or holding up the ball to contribute to an assist, the Ivorian has demonstrated time and again that he has clearly been the most astute purchase by the new ownership.
If the player can develop his passing skills and link-up play, he will surely be the next in a long line of world-class midfielders for the Rossoneri.