In one of their most convincing performances of the season, AC Milan dismantled Serie B leaders Sassuolo 6-1 at the San Siro to advance in the Coppa Italia. While Sassuolo came into the game full of confidence after a four-match winning streak in the Italian second division, Milan proved a class apart, showcasing their superiority with an overwhelming display of skill, pace, and precision.
Despite having a crucial Serie A clash against Atalanta on the horizon, Milan coach Paulo Fonseca emphasized the importance of the Coppa Italia by fielding a strong starting XI. Serbian defender Strahinja Pavlović and striker Tammy Abraham were among the notable starters, while the electric wing duo of Rafael Leão and Samuel Chukwueze spearheaded the attack. This strategy paid off handsomely, as the Rossoneri delivered a scintillating performance.
Milan’s First-Half Blitz Stuns Sassuolo
Sassuolo, a side with past UEFA competition experience, arrived at the San Siro hoping to test Milan’s mettle. Instead, they were completely overrun in a chaotic first half where Milan scored four goals in just 11 minutes.
The action began with a dazzling run by Samuel Chukwueze, whose pace and trickery carved open Sassuolo’s defense. His effort set up a thunderous strike from Tijjani Reijnders, opening the scoring and sending an early warning to the visitors. Moments later, Rafael Leão turned on the style, breezing past defenders and slotting home with confidence. Leão’s smile, a reflection of his ease on the ball, symbolized Milan’s dominance.
Da @RafaeLeao7 a Tijjani Reijnders!!! #MilanSassuolo #CoppaItaliaFrecciarossa pic.twitter.com/NSLb75eONW
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA) December 4, 2024
The relentless tempo and high pressing from Milan left Sassuolo gasping for breath. By the 23rd minute, Milan had stormed to a 4-0 lead, effectively sealing the game before the halftime whistle. Sassuolo’s defense, overwhelmed and disorganized, had no answer to the pace and precision of Milan’s attacks.
Rafael Leão and Chukwueze Shine
A key highlight of the match was the performance of Rafael Leão, whose energy and creativity terrorized Sassuolo’s backline. The Portuguese winger, already a fan favorite at the San Siro, proved why he is one of the most exciting talents in Serie A. His ability to glide past defenders, create chances, and finish clinically made him a standout performer.
Similarly, Samuel Chukwueze demonstrated why Rossoneri signed him in the summer. The Nigerian international’s pace and directness added another dimension to Milan’s attack. His involvement in the opening goal and his persistent runs down the right flank kept Sassuolo’s defense on high alert throughout the match.
Second Half: Milan’s Composure and Class
Despite the game being virtually won by halftime, Rossoneri showed no signs of complacency in the second half. Davide Calabria and Tammy Abraham both found the back of the net to extend Milan’s lead further. Calabria’s goal showcased his attacking instincts as a fullback, while Abraham’s composed finish highlighted his prowess as a reliable striker.
Sassuolo did manage to pull one back late in the game, a consolation goal that did little to dampen the spirits of the Milan faithful. By the final whistle, the scoreline read 6-1, a result that reflected Milan’s sheer dominance and ruthlessness.
Paulo Fonseca’s Tactical Brilliance
Credit must be given to Milan coach Paulo Fonseca, whose tactics and squad management were spot on. Despite the looming Serie A fixture against Atalanta, Fonseca resisted the temptation to heavily rotate his squad. His decision to field a strong XI sent a clear message about the importance of the Coppa Italia, a competition Rossoneri hasn’t won since 2003.
Fonseca’s strategy of high pressing and quick transitions exploited Sassuolo’s vulnerabilities to perfection. The decision to start Pavlović in defense and the continued trust in Leão and Chukwueze on the wings paid dividends, as Milan executed their game plan with precision.
Sassuolo’s Tough Lesson
For Sassuolo, this match was a stark reminder of the gap between Serie B and Serie A. While they have been dominating the second tier of Italian football, the step up to face one of Serie A’s top teams proved too steep. Sassuolo’s defensive frailties were exposed, and their inability to cope with Rossoneri intensity highlighted areas they must address as they aim for promotion.
Nevertheless, Sassuolo’s journey in the Coppa Italia deserves credit. Reaching this stage of the competition as a Serie B side is no small feat, and the experience gained against a team like Milan will undoubtedly serve them well in the future.
What’s Next for AC Milan?
This emphatic victory not only secures Milan’s place in the next round of the Coppa Italia but also serves as a confidence booster ahead of their Serie A clash with Atalanta on Saturday. With key players like Leão, Chukwueze, and Abraham in top form, Rossoneri fans have every reason to be optimistic about their team’s chances in both domestic and European competitions.
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