The first half of the match between Sassuolo and Milan was characterized by two injuries and the absence of goals, confirming Milan's tendency to remain in difficulty in the first 45 minutes. In 2023-24 the Rossoneri team has already failed to find the net within half an hour six times this season (out of seven).
The first injury was suffered by Matteo Gabbia, Milan's central defender, who suffered a blow to his flexor during a tackle with Laurienté. The player, who was playing his first match as a starter, was forced to leave the field after the 20th minute. Shortly afterwards, coach Fedde Leysen was forced to withdraw due to an injury suffered in a contact with Pulisic, causing Rome referee Fourneau to award seven minutes of injury time.
Milan, who started the match with the 4‑4‑1‑1, showed a certain slowness in the first minutes but started to create decision-making opportunities towards the end of the first half. Ramos had an opportunity to demonstrate his value, as did Rabiot, Moreira and Pavlovic, while the Sassuolo team had few opportunities. Two AC Milan players, Estupinan and De Winter, were booked for a challenge on Berardi and Laurienté.
With the absence of goals in the first 45 minutes and two injuries that have altered the formation, Milan find themselves in a situation of increasing pressure. The final result remains to be seen, but the Rossoneri team will have to recover their form to face the next Serie A challenges.