FROSINONE v AC MILAN: THE DEBRIEFING

The joy of victory, the awareness that improvement is needed, but also the ability to bounce back from setbacks: AC Milan beat Frosinone 3-2 in another thrilling encounter to immediately return to winning ways in the league. Our Debriefing covers some of the main topics to emerge from the game at the Stadio Benito Stirpe. 

FINE LEAGUE FORM
After 23 matches this season, AC Milan have the same number of points (49) as they did at this stage in 2021/22, a Scudetto-winning campaign. While there have been some disappointing moments this season, the team’s excellent record in the league shouldn’t go unnoticed, even if it has, in part, been overshadowed by the form of the top two so far. The big top-of-the-table clash awaits tonight, and at least one side will drop points. In the meantime, the Rossoneri did their job, temporarily moving to within five points of second and four points of first. Pioli’s men continue to consolidate third place and are comfortably positioned in the Champions League places, but extending their lead over fifth certainly won’t do any harm. The Rossoneri have gone five league matches without defeat in 2024 (something that previously hadn’t occurred since 2020) and, in general, are unbeaten in eight matches in the Italian top flight.

THE CHARACTER TO FIGHT BACK
AC Milan don’t give up. The ability to find the strength to react is one of the standout characteristics of Pioli’s side. It’s something they’ve often shown in the past few seasons but which really has been on full display in recent outings. The match in Frosinone unfolded in the same way it did in Udine: 1-0, 1-2, 3-2. The Rossoneri went in front before falling behind in the second half, only to then show real spirit at the most difficult moment. Having options on the bench has been key: the Diavolo have scored the most goals through substitutes this campaign (ten). Jović took centre stage at the Stirpe, but Bennacer’s contribution was also significant. The collective is a huge resource, one that allows teams to overcome mistakes - they must, however, be corrected as soon as possible - and emerge victorious.

THREAT UP TOP
While it was great to see Gabbia score his first Serie A goal, the attacking department needs to be mentioned. Last night, Giroud opened the scoring and set up the second, while Jović once again made a decisive contribution. Oli now has 19 goal contributions (goals and assists) to his name in 20 league games this season, a personal record in a single Serie A campaign. As for Luka, he keeps on making an impact. Salerno, Udine, Frosinone: off the bench and on the scoresheet. Since their reverse fixture against Frosinone, AC Milan have scored at least two goals in every game apart from against Sassuolo. In fact, the Rossoneri are the team that have found the net the most since the start of December (25 goals). Pioli’s men continue to be a threat at the top end of the pitch: there was also a menacing performance from Leão, who provided his sixth assist of the season, while Pulisic and Okafor certainly put in hard shifts.

The AC Milan PUMA Kits for 2023/24 are available: buy them now!