August 31, (THEWILL) – AC Milan did not get the best preparation for the season’s first Derby Della Madonnina against city rivals Inter, having experienced yet another early setback in the Scudetto race due to a goalless draw at Sassuolo.
The defending Serie A champions, who had previously been held by Atalanta, returned to winning ways over the weekend in a 2-0 triumph over Bologna. But, they were not at their best on Tuesday and would have lost if Mike Maignan had not saved Domenico Berardi’s first-half penalty.
In the 21st minute, Giorgos Kyriakopoulos was tripped just inside the box by Alexis Saelemaekers, and the referee pointed to the spot only for Maignan to guess correctly and save the champions from trailing. Berardi was later substituted as he exited the game in pain with what appeared to be a serious injury.
However, opportunities at either end were few and far between from that point on, with Milan managing only two shots on target in a lacklustre performance that was finished by Alessandro Florenzi limping off the field in stoppage time.
The Milan Derby is next for the defending champions on Saturday while Sassuolo will travel to Cremona to take on Cremonese the following day.
About the Author
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
