Sergio Conceicao’s Serie A debut as AC Milan’s manager ended in frustration as his side were held to a 1-1 draw by relegation-threatened Cagliari at San Siro on Saturday. Despite dominating the match, Milan were undone by missed chances and a clinical counter-attack from the visitors.
Match Summary
First Half: Cautious Start
Milan began the game controlling possession but struggled to break down a well-organized Cagliari defense. The visitors had the best chance of the half when Mattia Felici forced a sharp save from Mike Maignan, keeping the score level at the break.
Second Half: Drama Unfolds
The Rossoneri came out with renewed vigor after halftime. Christian Pulisic nearly opened the scoring with a thunderous half-volley that struck the crossbar. Milan finally broke through in the 51st minute when Alvaro Morata tapped in a rebound after Pulisic’s low volley hit the post.
However, the lead was short-lived. Just four minutes later, Nadir Zortea capitalized on a quick counter-attack, unleashing a precise low strike from outside the box to stun the home crowd and equalize for Cagliari.
Late Onslaught
Milan pushed relentlessly for a winner, with chances falling to Tammy Abraham, Theo Hernandez, and Pulisic, but Cagliari goalkeeper Elia Caprile produced a string of outstanding saves. Hernandez came closest in the dying moments, but his effort was denied, leaving Milan to settle for a frustrating draw.
Key Stats and Data
- Shots: Milan registered 24 attempts, 11 on target, with an xG of 2.14, highlighting their dominance.
- Cagliari’s Efficiency: The visitors managed just five shots but made their only on-target effort count through Zortea.
- Zortea’s Form: The defender now has four league goals this season, tying him with notable names like Willi Orban and Josko Gvardiol as the top-scoring defenders in Europe’s top five leagues.
Manager Reactions
Sergio Conceicao (AC Milan)
“We controlled the game and created enough chances to win comfortably, but we lacked composure in front of goal. It’s disappointing to drop points due to a single lapse in concentration. We need to be more clinical.”
Claudio Ranieri (Cagliari)
“I’m proud of the team’s resilience. Milan are a top side, but we defended well and took our chance when it came. Every point is crucial in our fight to stay up.”
What’s Next?
- AC Milan: The Rossoneri remain eighth with 28 points, eight behind fourth-placed Lazio but with two games in hand. Conceicao’s side must sharpen their attack to stay in contention for European qualification.
- Cagliari: Sitting 18th with 18 points, Cagliari will take heart from this result as they continue their battle to escape the relegation zone.
Conclusion
While Sergio Conceicao’s Serie A debut didn’t deliver the win Milan fans were hoping for, the team showed promise under his guidance. However, their inability to capitalize on opportunities and a momentary defensive lapse cost them dearly. For Cagliari, this result represents a valuable point in their quest for survival.
