AC Milan vs. Udinese: Winners and Losers from Serie A Game
AC Milan’s winning run came to an end on a rainy Sunday afternoon at the San Siro, as they drew 1-1 with Udinese.
After having the better of the opening exchanges, Milan went behind 16 minutes in, as former player Pablo Armero returned to haunt his old employers with a goal.
Udinese had broken down the right flank and forced two excellent saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma before Armero poked home.
Carlos Bacca had the ball in the net just past the half-hour mark, but the goal was ruled out for a clear offside. It was one of several frustrating moments in the game for the Colombian.
Milan got their equaliser early in the second half. Udinese once again forced Donnarumma into action, but immediately after the 16-year-old’s save, Milan counter-attacked at speed. The ball found its way to Bacca, who in turn played in M’Baye Niang, and the Frenchman tucked in.
From there, Milan had the better of the match, including a concerted period of pressure in the final 15 minutes, but they could not find a winner. As far as the Rossoneri were concerned, the draw will be treated as two points dropped.
Here are Bleacher Report’s winners and losers from the tense Serie A clash.
Winner: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Milan)
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Had it not been for Gianluigi Donnarumma, Milan may have lost this match.
The young goalkeeper made an outstanding double save to deny Udinese, only to be let down by his static team-mates for Pablo Armero to finish on the third attempt for the opening goal. But his most important moment came early in the second half.
Udinese worked another opening, and Francesco Lodi found himself in a good position to score. But Donnarumma denied the Italian midfielder. After that save, Milan countered and scored through M’Baye Niang.
He may be inexperienced, but Donnarumma is quickly turning into one of the Rossoneri’s most important players. On this form, he may even throw himself into contention for Italy’s Euro 2016 squad.
Loser: Juraj Kucka (Milan)
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Juraj Kucka has been one of Milan’s best players of late, with his energetic displays crucial to recent wins over Inter and Palermo. However he was ineffectual against Udinese before being substituted at half-time, earning a 6.54 rating from WhoScored.com.
In fairness, the Slovakian’s poor performance had a lot to do with his position on the pitch. With Giacomo Bonaventura injured, Sinisa Mihajlovic shifted Kucka to the left wing, bringing in Andrea Bertolacci to partner Riccardo Montolivo in central midfield.
The switch was a failure, not least because Kucka lacks the technique and skill to make a difference out wide. He is also purely right-footed, something demonstrated by his poor left-footed cross at the end of the first half that proved his last action.
After the game, Mihajlovic admitted to reporters (h/t Football Italia), "Kucka and Niang both had a bit of trouble."
Once Bonaventura returns to fitness, the 28-year-old should be moved back infield where he can impact the game more.
Winner: Pablo Armero (Udinese)
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Pablo Armero made his first appearance of the season for Udinese on Sunday, having spent the first half of the campaign on loan with Flamengo in Brazil.
It just so happened that his Serie A debut came against Milan, the club he represented last season.
Armero looked motivated on his return to the San Siro, defending doggedly and offering a wide threat on the counter-attack. Not only that, but he scored Udinese’s only goal of the game.
On the basis of this performance, the Colombian left wing-back can play an important role in pulling the Zebrette up the league table.
Loser: Cyril Thereau (Udinese)
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Cyril Thereau is Udinese’s top scorer this season with seven goals to his name. Unfortunately, the French forward was unable to make a difference on Sunday afternoon.
While his strike partner Ryder Matos worked hard between the lines and made three key passes, per WhoScored.com, Thereau contributed little to his team’s attack. He’ll have to do better if he wants to keep his place ahead of powerful alternate Duvan Zapata.
Winner: Luca Antonelli (Milan)
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Luca Antonelli’s raids on the left flank were integral to Milan’s attacking play. The left-back constantly tested Udinese with his pace and purpose going forward.
The Italy international left-back completed two dribbles and made one key pass, per WhoScored.com, making him one of the Rossoneri’s more threatening attacking options.
But with Kucka giving him little in terms of creative support, Antonelli will no doubt look forward to resuming his left-wing partnership with Bonaventura in the future.
