Milan travelled to the Stadio Giuseppe Mogacatta with hope of a big win in leg one of their Coppa Italia semi-final.
They did prevail, but it was closer than many expected.
Their third division opponent gave Milan a tough game with the Rossoneri lacking key players, showing it in a very poor performance.
They will take the win, but the performance ahead of the Milan Derby this weekend is not what coach Sinisa Mihajlovic would have been hoping for.
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Balotelli goal not convincing, but an improvement
Mario Balotelli is back from injury and ready to make a late surge towards the Italy squad. His overall performance was once again average with his match sharpness sorely lacking.
However, he did score a second goal of the season from the spot, a strike that was invaluable for his overall confidence. In glimpses, he showed the havoc he can create inside the 18-yard box. Expect bigger things from Balo once he gets back to full fitness.
Adriano’s woes
Luiz Adriano is supposed to be living in China right now. His move to Jiangsu Suning fell through at the last hurdle and was even seen with the side’s scarf followed by a mob of fans.
He returned to the Milan squad and was given a chance to lead the line alongside Balotelli. Adriano, who was given the full 90 minutes, struggled from the start and made very little impact.
A player whose future at Milan is still up in the air, he could find himself on the outer and fast at the Rossoneri. Do not be surprised if he is sold by the end of January and that this was his last game for Il Diavolo.
Angelo Gregucci’s tactics pay off
Not many would have heard of Angelo Gregucci before this game and he probably will not get too much recognition for what he did against Milan. Yet he must take all the credit for the way in which his side defended and played against Milan.
He decided to employ a tenacious brand of football which forced Milan into numerous mistakes in midfield, allowing Alessandria to swiftly attack when given the chance. A lack of imagination in the final third cost them a goal, but do not be surprised if the minnows give Milan a run for their money in the second leg.
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Milan’s lack of cutting edge a major disappointment
Milan had started to hit their straps in front of goal with Carlos Bacca scoring in his last three as well as six team goals in those games. However, this match was an entirely different story. Milan lacked poise in front of goal, which cost them dearly.
The midfield sorely missed the influence of Giacomo Bonaventura, which Kevin-Prince Boateng, Keisuke Honda, Andrea Poli and Jose Mauri could not fill. The attack did not create many opportunities and when they came, they were spurned.
Mbaye Niang cost Milan two goals. In the first instance, he interfered with Poli’s deflected strike which would have made it 2-0. Next, he missed a one-on-one late which was almost reminiscent of his miss against Barcelona back in 2013. This shows Milan are lacking another creative option outside Giacomo Bonaventura and an alternative striker to Bacca.
Mr Galliani, it is time to look towards the mercato as soon as possible.
Antonelli’s Azzuri form
A bolter as of late for the Italy squad has been Milan left-back Luca Antonelli. He has been flying under the radar throughout his time at Milan and has been one of their more consistent performers.
His run from defence was what set up Milan’s penalty and from there, Antonelli was a constant threat down the left-hand side, continually setting up opportunities and providing a constant outlet up the pitch. Yet he did not waiver from his defensive duties, not allowing Alessandria to attack down that side of the park.
If he keeps up this solid form, it will be little surprised to see him in the Italy squad when Euro 2016 rolls around in June.
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