Match Review: Cagliari vs AC Milan
In the end, it's 1-1 On Matchday 4 the Rossoneri are held to a draw by Cagliari at Sardegna Arena, in a game of two halves. The host are off to a better start with Gattuso's men who start upping the tempo and try to control the game enjoying the lion's share of possession. Overall, it was a good performance for the Rossoneri who though failed to make their chances count but still managed to bag one through Higuain who dribbled past Cragno to find the goal for 1-1 and score his debut goal in the Red and Black. Now it's time to focus on the Europa League as we travel to Luxembourg to take on F91 Dudelange and try to take home a win to start our continental campaign off on the right foot.
THE MATCH REPORT
Gattuso's men are off to a shocking start and after only four minutes. Pavoletti enters the box from the right and shoots off the post but Joao Pedro pounces on the rebound to Cagliari the lead. The hosts keep pushing hard and in the 15th minute go close through Barella who unleashes a powerful shot that smacks off the woodwork. AC Milan respond three minutes later through Bonaventura who heads the ball wide from inside the box wasting a good chance for the Rossoneri. Jack has another massive chance to equalise but fails to convert Calabria's cross to the far post. The goal for 1-1 comes in the second half when Higuain controls a loose ball at the edge of the area, dribbles past Cragno and finds the net. El Pipita is on fire and only a defensive block from Cagliari's defence denies him the goal that would have meant 2-1 AC Milan. Il Diavolo keep pushing and almost find another goal in stoppage time as Suso from fires to the far post with Cragno making the save of the night to seal the score 1-1.
THE MATCH IN NUMBERS
- Gonzalo Higuain has scored seven goals in eight Serie A games against Cagliari.
- The Rossoneri number 9 has scored with his ninth shot of the season, the second on target.
CAGLIARI 1-1 MILAN
CAGLIARI (4-3-1-2): Cragno; Srna, Klavan, Romagna, Padoin; Castro (84' Dessena), Bradaric, Barella; Joao Pedro (64' Sau); Farias (52' Ionita), Pavoletti. Subs.: Aresti, Daga, Faragò, Pajac, Andreolli, Pisacane, Lykogiannis, Cigarini, Cerri. Coach: Maran
AC MILAN (4-3-3): G. Donnarumma; Calabria, Musacchio, Romagnoli, Rodriguez (85' Laxalt); Kessie, Biglia, Bonaventura (66' Bakayoko); Suso, Higuain, Calhanoglu (73' Castillejo). Subs.: A. Donnarumma, Reina, Abate, Caldara, Zapata, Bertolacci, Mauri, Borini, Tsadjout. Coach: Gattuso
Referee: Abisso from Palermo.
Goals: 4' Joao Pedro (C), 55' Higuain (M).
Booked: 71' Srna (C), 90'+2' Kessie (M).
