If winning is the best way to prepare for winning, then the away match at Genoa's ground has great value. Not for the league standings, where Milan remains far from the European zone, but for the double clash against Bologna that is approaching—Friday in Serie A at San Siro, and the more important one five days later at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
There, Milan will play for the chance to lift the Coppa Italia to the sky, the second trophy of the season, and the opportunity to secure qualification for international competitions.
The positive signs for Conceição go beyond the three points at Marassi, which were not by chance celebrated as if they had significance for the standings: the team celebrates under the section of traveling Milan fans, and once they receive the applause of the crowd, Sergio gathers his players in a circle. The group, tightly surrounding the coach, listens to the message, as pointed out by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Day off tomorrow for those who played, the others will work. I said this, I don’t lie… I’d rather stay silent.”
Among the positives is the confirmation of Gimenez: having scored a lucky goal coming off the bench in Venice, here he initiates the action leading to the equalizer. Santi attacks the space in depth, asks for and receives the ball, lays it off to the center for Leao, who scores. The second goal came indirectly thanks to Joao Felix, another resource the coach has on the bench: a fantasista with quality and unpredictability, to be kept active for the final.
One of the stylistic trademarks of Conceição's Milan is the ability to react to difficulties: they have earned 19 points from losing positions in this league, more than any other team. Yesterday’s was the third consecutive victory since Sergio took charge of the Rossoneri bench—the first time the streak has succeeded.
“We’ve shown that we are a strong and united group; whoever comes on knows how to make an impact. Like Gimenez, who is always the first to arrive at the training ground. Adapting isn’t always easy. Credit to the players, not the coach: sometimes you manage to give something to the team, sometimes not. But even if I may not show it, I’m happy with the boys’ response.”
Meanwhile, with the new formation (3-4-3), there have been four wins in the last five games, 11 goals scored and two conceded.
Milan, what were the negative notes for Milan in the win against Genoa?
The defense is pierced by Vitinha, with Pavlovic not making a great impression, and Fofana’s injury—a problem with his left foot, which needs to be assessed. For the league match against Bologna, Conceição will also lose Leao: suspended.
Sergio explains:
“Fofana wasn’t at his best even during the week, he felt the problem flare up again but I believe it’s nothing serious. He’ll just need to be managed. Rafa? He’s focused on finishing the season well, attitude is very important and his qualities are immense.”
Now comes the big finale, then the club’s assessments. In the meantime, sporting director Moncada says:
“We trust Conceição. He has brought the right mentality. He’s a hard worker and with him, we’re in a good place.”
