The Gennaro Gattuso effect is finally picking up some momentum after Giacomo Bonaventura extended AC Milan’s unbeaten run to nine games in all competitions.
Milan are at risk of falling out of Europe all together as they sit 7th in Serie A, but victory on Sunday night also moved them a step closer to their rivals.
Gattuso, who wore the black and red of Milan for 13 seasons, was hired in November to kick some sense into the former world beaters, and seems to be finally having some impact on the former conquerors of Europe.
It was a nervous start for Milan, however, with all the weight of a place in Europe – even if they forced to settle for the secondary competition in the Europa League these days – at stake.
Ricardo Rodriguez was handed a golden opportunity to settle the nerves running through the San Siro early on though after Nicola Murra was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the visitor’s penalty area six minutes in.
Milan’s spot-kicker wasn’t up to the task though as his left-footed spot kick was well saved by had a penalty saved by Sampdoria goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano.
Rodriguez wasn’t a popular figure after that, but fortunately for him Bonaventura was on hand to spare his blushes less than 10 minutes later.
The Milan midfielder latched onto Davide Calabria’s cross to drive a low shot through a crowded Sampdoria defence.
VAR also reared its head in Italy this weekend after making itself known in England as well, as captain Leonardo Bonucci thought he had double Milan’s lead.
Upon reflection though, the VAR determined the Milan captain was in an offside position and so his goal was ruled out.
Manager Gattuso has re-energised a Milan side that hasn’t finished above sixth in Serie A since 2012-13, and while that unwanted run of poor finishes will not be brought to an end this season, they’re finally heading in the right direction.
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