Discover how AC Milan fought back to secure a point against Torino in a 2-2 thrilling Serie A opener. Read our detailed analysis of the match highlights.
Introduction:
AC Milan was held to a 2 -2 draw by Torino in their opening Serie A match at the San Siro in a very nervy, start to the season. The two goals that Milan had conceded had come from defensive lapses. Though after being two goals down, Rossoneri showed marvelous fighting spirit by getting a goal in their late stages of the match and hence got their first point of the season. In an entertaining match at the San Siro, the game was primarily allowed to underline the battling quality of what AC Milan had shown and some weaknesses they have to work out before their next game.
See also: AC Milan secured a convincing 3-0 win over Lecce: Serie A Encounter
First Half: Squandered Chances and Lapses in Defense
The game started off assaulting the Torino net. In all fairness, it was Rafael Leão running the show, giving more than a hand to his team by continuously shooting on goal, with his first attempt drawing a corner in the 6th minute. His attempts dragged up to the 21st minute, as he missed an opportunity in front of goal. But all these couldn’t make it an easy game for Milan to turn up against Torino.
See also: Juventus Starts the Serie A Season With a Commanding 3-0 Win Over Como
Conversely, it was Torino who made good their chances from defensive lapses by Milan. In the 31st minute, a crowded box was full of the Milan crowd screaming a header by Bellanova; it resulted in an own goal from Malick Thiaw. This just underlined the vulnerability of the Milan defense, more so in cases of aerial threats.
Just moments before the match went into half-time, another grand save was made by Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan to deny Torino from scoring a second goal to raise their lead. Still, Milan’s offensive play was not up to the mark, with Leão and company losing out on the most golden opportunities. The home side let the half slip away with a 1-0 disadvantage, thus leaving most of its fans a tad nervous and undoubtedly expecting much more in the second half.
Second Half: Perseverance and Late Dramatics
They developed more urgency in the second period, with Christian Pulisic, playing his debut game in Serie A, calling the tune on numerous occasions. On a number of occasions, Milinković-Savić, the goalkeeper of Torino, got sharply into action, striking everything that AC Milan hit on target, including the debutant Pulisic.
The Turin side managed to hit the net for the second time in the 68th minute through Duván Zapata, who buried a polished set piece. It was at this moment that the Milan rescue mission seemed to fall apart.
However, the complexion of the match changed with the last 10 minutes when Álvaro Morata and Noah Okafor were introduced. In the 89th minute, Morata scored his debut goal for Milan when he prodded home a loose ball in the box. This goal somehow squeezed the Rossoneri back into the game, set for a dramatic finish.
Deep into injury time, the super sub himself, Okafor, would head in a Yunus Musah cross for a 2-2 score line at full time. The late drop still left fans of the San Siro in awe and emulated the incessant fighting spirit that Milan possesses.
Tactical Analysis: Strengths and Weaknesses
Offensive Dynamics
AC Milan played a strategy based on fast transitional play and an attack through the flanks, with Leão and Pulisic in the forward line. As interesting as the play has been, it is evident that the creation of chances has been good, while the finishing has been spectacularly poor. The cutting edge of this team up against any defense, let alone a side as organized as Torino, is a reason for concern.
So the late Morata goal really underlines his value in that potential poacher of half-chances role. Together with the now permanently essential Okafor, this pair may really be struck gold when the season is fully in flight.
Defensive Fragility
The match as well showed the weaknesses in the Milan defense with set pieces and crosses, leading to an own goal by Thiaw through a lack of communication and organization. It is a fact that has been given enough emphasis during the offseason: communication and position will have to be given attention if they want to challenge for the top this season.
Tomori and Thiaw have to work on a more cohesive relationship in the center of defense. Moreover, the full-backs in Calabria and Hernández should ensure that the ratio for balancing between attacking duties and defensive solidity remains on the right side to avoid a reoccurrence of the same.
Midfield Control
Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ismaël Bennacer were supposed to control the midfield, but they both found it tough with the more physical approach from Torino. Although these players are more technical, they have to assert themselves more in the central areas, especially in breaking up play from opponents and starting attacks.
The reintroduction of Reijnders and Musah in the second half really added some dynamism to the Milan midfield. In particular, it was Reijnders who came all guns blazing to help set up the Morata goal, indicating that perhaps he had rediscovered his creative vein. It might help in the future if Milan stuck to a slightly more balanced trio at the start of the game, so he can be in control from the start.
Key Player Performances: Player Analysis
Rafael
Leão was the best man for AC Milan as far as creativity is concerned, with his speed and dribbling enabling him to continually work out opportunities. Finishing, however, was the Brazilian’s undoing, leaving him much to improve if his potential is to be translated into match-winning performances.
Álvaro Morata
Morata’s impact off the bench was immediate, scoring a crucial goal on his debut. His poacher’s instincts and ability to find space in crowded areas will be vital for Milan, especially in tight matches.
Noah Okafor
Okafor showed his super-sub quality yet again by scoring a late equalizer to save the Rossoneri a point. His game-changing ability from the bench will be pivotal all through the season.
Mike Maignan
Maignan’s shot-stopping was able to keep Milan in the game throughout the first half. His leadership from the back will be important in organizing defenses and ensuring the Rossoneri don’t let another lead slip in the future.
Looking ahead: Extending the Positivity
Areas of Improvement
The AC Milan’s game against Torino both shows some positiveness and negativeness. Resilience of the team to fight back was good but, then, defensive fragility and lack of clinical finishing are the two main causes they need to be addressing.
The next game, which is against Parma, will provide Milan with an opportunity to improve on the areas and build positively from this game. Organization in defense—especially on set pieces—will be the first point of improvement, along with working on finishing.
Tactical Adjustments
Tactics possible adjustment: An evened-out midfield would give added cover to the backline without reducing the attack’s thrust. This may also prompt Milan to rotate their attacking options in order to field their most effective forwards all season.
Analyzing the impact of substitutes of this match, Milan’s coach may play Morata and Okafor in the next game. Their work deserves a possibility to get into a position probably from a starting XI, considering that Milan wants to play more aggressively since the start.
Conclusion: AC Milan fought back with a draw
The draw of AC Milan to Torino was a match of contrasting emotions, for the disappointment in trailing by two goals was overtaken by the euphoria of a last-gasp comeback. This match is a reminder of the potential of the team and of the things that need to be honed.
As Milan looks for improvement, the focus will be on all positive aspects of the performance and covering up the weaknesses. If Milan gets the right adjustments, and they hold on, then they can look forward in a successful campaign.