Sandro Sabatini says Milan wasted a major opportunity to reduce the gap to the league leaders after their defeat by Bologna, with the result also leaving the two sides in very different moods ahead of the derby.
Writing for MilanNews.it, the journalist said Milan were in an ideal position at half-time. Internazionale and Venezia were drawing 0-0, meaning a Milan victory would have cut the deficit to two points, restored balance to the title race before the derby and potentially put them in a position to move ahead.
Instead, the defeat allowed the gap to grow. Sabatini believes the more damaging consequence is the contrast in morale, mentality and preparation surrounding the two teams before the derby. Milan lost an “incredible opportunity”, while Bologna still had sufficient energy to impose themselves after the interval.
Sabatini credited Bologna coach Palladino with an outstanding performance, saying he had almost given Amorim a masterclass. He also highlighted substitute Juan Miranda, whose introduction altered the direction of the match, although he rejected the idea that Milan’s loss could be explained solely by Miranda’s arrival or any other individual incident.
His assessment of Milan’s players was mixed. Maignan had little to do during the game and made limited impact, while Tomori was excellent in the first half before being forced off with an injury.
Koni De Winter was strong before half-time but lost his confidence and direction in the second period. S. Pavlovic, Sabatini argued, is more naturally suited to a man-marking role in a back three and is vulnerable to mistakes when operating in a back four.
Pervis Estupinan had little influence, while Yunus Musah worked hard but was used out of position at right-back. Sabatini said that role prevented Musah from making the most of his qualities, adding that Palladino had understood how to use him effectively during his time at Atalanta.
Ardon Jashari covered plenty of ground but was inconsistent in possession. Davide Bartesaghi, who had impressed in the previous round, was effectively shut out of this match and then scored an own goal which Sabatini identified as the turning point.
Goncalo Ramos also struggled to affect the game, drifting through the contest and exposing the limitations in his performance.
Sabatini reserved particular praise for Alphonso Cisse. Judging only by what he produced in this match, he said Cisse was operating at a level far above Leao’s form last season.
