Serie A is back for the AC Milan fans who have been waiting eagerly to see their Rossoneri back in action. The first game is a difficult away match. However, Stefano Pioli's men were able to come out victorious.
In tonight's match, Stefano Pioli used his usual 4-2-3-1 lineup using Mike Maignan between the posts, Tomori and Kjaer as the centre-backs. On the right, Davide Calabria started and wore the captain's armband. Theo Hernandez occupied the left wide area. Rade Krunic and Tonali were the two midfielders in front of the backline, Alexis Saelemakers started on his usual spot on the right, with Leao on the left and Brahim Diaz as the playmaker behind the former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud.
As for Sampdoria, their coach used a 4-4-2 formation with Emil Audero as goalkeeper, Bartosz Bereszynski as the right-back, Omar Colley with Yoshida as centre-backs, and Augello as the left-back. Former Inter man, Candreva, played on the wide side, Thorsby and Ekdal were in the middle of the pitch and Damsgaard played on the left. Up front, there was Gabbiadini besides experienced striker Quagliarella.
AC Milan brought home the 3 points after securing the victory against a difficult team in a tough stadium. But, the efforts of Stefano Pioli's men were fruitful, especially in the first half of the game as Davide Calabria managed to give a good assist to Brahim Diaz who put the ball past Emil Audero.
The Rossoneri number 10 also played a very good game as he acted as what Stefano Pioli likes to see, a player who moves well between the lines while creating dangerous and important attacking scenarios for himself and teammates.
Sampdoria, however, were not an easy opponent and have came forward with threatening plays which Mike Maignan and the defense were able to stop.
There is room to improve, but the important aspect right now is that the lads have minutes in their legs, and have the three points. Next up is Cagliari on August 29.
