AC Milan did not provide a beautiful performance. However, the job was done and three important points were earned against Fiorentina. That is enough for now, especially considering the fact that the team of Stefano Pioli had not won in the league for 49 days (last victory was against Genoa on October 7).
A hard-fought victory that brings three crucial points, allowing Pioli to breathe and recover ground on Inter or Juve, maybe even both (they face each other later today). The protagonists of the evening are: Maignan and Theo, but also a special mention to 15-year-old Francesco Camarda who made his history thanks to his debut.
La Gazzetta dello Sport this morning concludes its piece dedicated to the match by writing: "Against Dortmund, much more will be needed than just relying on Maignan."
AC Milan's 'super hero' is Maignan.
Yesterday, more than wearing a superhero cape, the Rossoneri goalkeeper wore the aura of sanctity with two miraculous interventions that saved the Rossoneri's goal and thus the result.
The last one, practically at the end of extra time, was a classic save à la Mike: instinctive, with his face, on the goal line.
A monstrous performance for the French goalkeeper, who even during the second half had conceded something with his feet due to a physical condition that didn't seem exceptional: fans trembled when Maignan remained on the ground for about a minute.
In the end, however, as has happened every year since he arrived, Mike's hands are the biggest autograph on the Rossoneri's three points.
Milan suffered, but what matters is the result
In a game where Pioli's team suffered, perhaps a bit more than necessary but at least remaining compact and securing the result, two important aspects stand out: Theo Hernandez's reaction and the historic chapter written by Francesco Camarda. The French full-back put in a good defensive performance but, above all, earned and converted the penalty with composure, a shot that ultimately made the difference between Milan and Fiorentina in the ninety minutes. Restoring confidence in a player like Theo is crucial, and yesterday there might have been a step in the right direction.
Then Camarda's debut, greeted by an ovation from the crowd: the youngster should be allowed to grow calmly in the youth sector, but his satisfaction at becoming the youngest presence in Serie A history has been achieved and can be a motivation to improve. As they say in these cases, the sky is the limit.
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