Cagliari vs. AC Milan: Winners and Losers for Serie A Game

In yet another wasted opportunity to climb up the Serie A table, Milan only managed a 1-1 draw away to Cagliari in what was always going to be a tricky fixture.

Zdenek Zeman's Sardinian side had beaten Inter 4-1 at the San Siro a month ago and had a fearless, offensive game-plan which is a staple of any Zeman-led side.

Filippo Inzaghi hasn't been able to get the best of provincial sides so far in this campaign, with two other notable draws at the hands of Empoli and Cesena.

As always, there were those who performed and those who underperformed. Here's a list of the biggest winners and losers from this Round 9 clash between Cagliari and Milan.

Winner: Giacomo Bonaventura

Daniela Santoni/Associated Press

Giacomo Bonaventura was essentially the last-minute summer replacement for Bryan Cristante, who departed to Benfica.

The ex-Atalanta midfielder has been a versatile player for Inzaghi, where he's played as a winger or as a midfielder in the 4-3-3. Against Cagliari, Inzaghi wanted more of an offensive touch in the center of the park and used Bonaventura as a mezz'ala, a side midfielder who had freedom to get forward.

This move paid instant dividends, as Bonaventura scored a fantastic chipped shot from 35 meters out, leveling the scoreline against Cagliari.

Even though he was out of position, the 25-year-old will always be used as he can fill many different positions in various formations that Inzaghi will use.

Loser: Stephan El Shaarawy

Enrico Locci/Getty Images

Stephan El Shaarawy has now gone more than 600 calendar days without a goal in Serie A. Keep in mind this is the same striker who netted 16 times two seasons ago but was reduced to virtually no playing time last season after a series of injuries.

After undergoing foot surgery, Milanisti hoped that the attacker affectionately known as Il Faraone could finally turn it on. He still hasn't been able to score, and he was once again a non-factor against Cagliari.

With Jeremy Menez waiting in the wings, Shaarawy's place isn't guaranteed in the starting XI.

Filippo Inzaghi must be patient with the youngster. The talent is there, he just now needs consistency to show what he's capable of on a weekly basis. 

Winner: Victory Ibarbo

Enrico Locci/Getty Images

The 24-year-old Colombian striker was always going to thrive in a Zdenek Zeman-type offense.

With lightning pace, Ibarbo was able to go on several surging runs towards Milan's defense and was a nightmare for them the entire night.

Ibarbo saw plenty of good service from Marco Sau and Andrea Cossu, who flanked him in the 4-3-3 formation.

He finally struck on a wonderful header where he found the channel right between Milan's two central defenders and had an open attempt on Christian Abbiati's goal.

The goal was Ibarbo's first of the season in what should be the start of a more prolific campaign, as the striker only managed to find the back of the net six times last year.

Loser: Fernando Torres

Daniela Santoni/Associated Press

He has now managed only one goal in his first seven matches for Milan. We knew there'd be days like this, but it has grown increasingly frustrating given the options Inzaghi has on the bench.

Torres was once again anonymous against Cagliari. He looked heavy footed, his touch and finishing around the box leaving plenty to be desired.

In the end, Inzaghi yanked the Spaniard in the second half for the rarely-used Giampaolo Pazzini, who could be given more time if the Torres experiment continues to fail.

While the benefit of the doubt will be given for another few weeks as the player needs time to adapt, patience from Milan is growing thin, and goals will need to be scored in order for Torres to keep his place in the starting lineup.

Winner: Zdenek Zeman

Enrico Locci/Getty Images

Cagliari now haven't lost in their past three matches in Serie A after a rough domestic start. 

After only a few months in charge, the real Zeman-like quality to Cagliari has begun to emerge. Even though the Sardinians have a young, inexperienced and rather modest side, they'll be a thorn in the side of many of Italy's big teams throughout this campaign.

Against Milan, Cagliari did well tactically to limit their opportunities and often choked the Rossoneri in their own half, especially in the final few minutes of the match when Milan was desperately trying to get all three points.

Zeman has only lit a fire under Marco Sau, who was the player he launched at Foggia back in the Italian third division.

Follow @TheCalcioGuy