A first half fright was overcome as Milan edged out Frosinone with a 4-2 victory to end the year on a high, sending them into sixth spot on the ladder.
Following two draws against relegation-zoned teams, AC Milan came into the game in desperate need of points. However, the first half was dubious to endure, with Frosinone scoring after easily slicing through the Rossoneri centre-backs. Whatever was said at halftime fired up Milan, who came out all guns blazing, ending up with a 4-2 victory. Goals from Ignazio Abate, Carlos Bacca, Alex and Giacomo Bonaventura sealed the win for Milan and sent them to sixth on the table.
Milan are now just eight points off leaders Inter, with the season now looking much less dire than it once was. If they can string some early wins together in the new year, they will still in the race for a Champions League place, and possibly even the title.
Bonaventura lethal
Bonaventura has been a shining light in an otherwise fairly dismal team so far this season. His combination with Bacca in this game was fierce and is the third time he has assisted the Colombian with a goal this Serie A season. Despite the rocky campaign, their partnership is one of the best in the league. His ability to take control in the midfield and his partnership with Bacca are positive signs for the Rossoneri.
Frosinone’s shrewd defence
The first half of the match saw Frosinone go 1-0 up, and they were able to keep Milan out of the game, that is, until the second half began. The Frosinone defence was able to hold on until the 50th minute but that is where it collapsed. Milan banged in four goals, including a last-minute goal from Bonaventura to seal the deal and give the Rossoneri three vital points and sixth position.
A contrast at the back for Milan in the opening stanza
The defensive showing from Milan in the first 45 was, in a word, bad. Frosinone went up 1-0 in the first half and were well on top until after the interval when they fell to easy counter-attacking positions. Milan have shown they have the attacking prowess, but it needs consistency. It is now their defence that is letting them down and something Mihajlovic will need to work on during the break. Consistency is key.
Sinisa Mihajlovic safe for now
Mihajlovics’ Milan career appeared to be on a rocky road having had such an up-and-down season and it was rumoured that if Milan drew or lost to Frosinone, he would be out of the job. The win takes some pressure off the manager and he now has the Christmas break to work on a plan for the Rossoneri to surge up the ladder.
Mihajlovic must surely understand that too many more defeats would see him gone.
Offence explosion
Milan have been lacking offensively in recent outings, with two poor draws against teams sitting at the bottom of the ladder. Scoring four goals against Frosinone has shown their attacking ability, the issue will be harnessing that for consistent showings. Milan do not play again until early January, when they take on Bologna followed by Roma.
With Bonaventura and Bacca forming a lethal partnership, Milan can make a statement in these two games.
The return of Mario Balotelli is also nearing. The enigmatic Italian will be seeking to slot straight into the team and restart his Milan career. Balotelli showed his promise earlier in the season before his injury, and he will be hoping to hit form right away.
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