Mapei Stadium (Reggio Emilia): AC Milan dropped two more points on the road in Serie A Matchday 4, being held to a goalless draw away at Sassuolo on Tuesday evening. The draw means that Milan are yet to record a win away from home this season, having drawn in Bergamo with Atalanta in Matchday 2.
On their return to Reggio Emilia and the stadium where they made such happy memories by winning the Serie A title just three months earlier, the Italian champions started on Tuesday similarly to how they did that day. Stefano Pioli’s side were on the front foot and they looked to get at their hosts, but without ever carving out all that much.
The best chance they had in the early stages and on the night as a whole fell to the star of the afternoon back in May in Rafael Leao. A well-worked move ended with him having a goal that was almost gaping in front of him as Andrea Consigli had vacated it, but three Neroverdi shirts stood between him and the net and he blazed his rushed shot way off target.
Berardi was a thorn in AC Milan’s side for Sassuolo
Domenico Berardi often enjoys playing against AC Milan. His 10 Serie A goals against the Rossoneri have made them his favourite opponent during his time in the top flight, and he was presented with a golden opportunity to bag his 11th in the first half.
Giorgios Kyriakopoulos went down in the area under a challenge from both Alexis Saelemaekers and Tommaso Pobega – with both appearing to foul him within a second of one another – and a penalty was awarded. Berardi, though, saw his effort stopped by the imposing Mike Maignan, who stretched to his right and parried the ball to safety.
That was as good as it got in the form of chances for the new Sassuolo no.10, but his work rate was impressive and he gave both Theo Hernandez and Ismael Bennacer more defensive work to do than they’d have liked.
The draw leaves Milan on eight points with two wins and two draws from their four games so far. Sassuolo, meanwhile, have five points from their four outings.
