The Rossoneri – featuring their second-choice midfield and several new signings – tested Sampdoria’s defence numerous times but only breached it once. That, though, proved enough in the end.
Mike Maignan started in goal for Milan, replacing European champion Gianluigi Donnarumma, who joined PSG in July. A familiar back four of Calabria–Kjaer–Tomori-Theo was complimented by the second-choice double midfield pivot, containing Rade Krunic and Sandro Tonali.
Veteran striker Olivier Giroud led the line, with youngsters Rafael Leao, Brahim Diaz, and Alexis Saelemaekers playing behind him.
Leao was the first to test Blucerchiati goalkeeper Emil Audero. The Portuguese controlled a long pass from Maignan before unleashing a fierce shot at the goalkeeper.
Nonetheless, the breakthrough arrived soon – in the ninth minute to be precise – after Calabria brushed aside Tommaso Augello before playing a low ball across the Sampdoria box where Diaz was waiting to tuck it in. The Spaniard’s shot was close to Audero, and although he did get a hand to it, he could not stop it from crossing the line.
Roberto D’Aversa’s men had 16 shots in the game as compared to Milan’s 11. The home side got close to an equalizer with a couple of those shots, but Maignan ensured that Milan’s clean sheet remained intact with some fantastic saves.
Despite taking all three points off Sampdoria, Milan only placed eighth in the table due to a lower goal difference and goals scored. The Rossoneri welcome Cagliari to San Siro next weekend before taking a trip on the other side of the international break to the capitals, where Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio awaits.
