AC Milan ended a trophy drought that lasted for over half a decade as they ousted Italian champions Juventus 4-3 on penalties to lift the 2016 Italian Supercup in Doha.
Centre-back Giorgio Chiellini headed the defending champions in front before Giacomo Bonaventura restored parity for Milan a few minutes later. The latter were the brighter side of the two thereafter, creating the better amount of chances and pushing their mighty rivals to the edge.
The sides weren’t to be separated in normal time and extra-time followed, but to no avail. In the ensuing shoot-out, Gianluca Lapadula missed for Milan giving Juve an early advantage, but Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala fluffed their lines, allowing Mario Pasalic to seal the game from the final kick.
Here are some of the major talking points to ponder over.
#1 An empire on the rise again
AC Milan and their dramatic fall from grace is well documented. From title favourites to mere also-rans, the Rossoneri had plunged into the abyss of such mediocrity that was hardly believable. An exodus of stellar names coupled with some really poor management contributed to their colossal decline, but after a few years in the rut, there are green shoots of recovery.
Not only has their season got off to a positive note, but they have also managed to add a trophy to their cabinet after a gap of 5 years, thereby making an ominous statement of intent.
Milan’s dominance in the game was reminiscent of their glory days of the past and fought valiantly despite the underdog status. Whilst some cutting-edge in the final third could’ve otherwise saved them the excruciating extra-time labours, Milan nonetheless, were admirable over the course of the game.
Watch out for these men, for they are a force on the rise again.
#2 The cracks in Juve’s armour
Having dominated Italian football for the last half decade, cracks have begun to develop in Juve’s armour. The Bianconeris, who have already lost to Milan earlier this season, cut a desolate figure once again as the Rossoneri made them wipe the floor.
Chiellini’s early opener suggested another comfortable win for the holders, but Milan fought back in a way that left Juve completely in the dark. Dominated in possession and forced to stay on the back foot, the Old Lady weren’t at their rip-roaring best. The defence was beaten time and again, whereas the stellar attacking troika of Mandzukic, Higuain and Dybala were uncharacteristically poor in front of goal.
Juventus was deservedly beaten in the end, and these are some real warning signs that the road to a 6th consecutive Serie A crown may not be plain-sailing after all.
#3 Donnarumma – The future of Italy
Ever since he pulled on the gloves for Milan as a 16-year old teen back in 2014, speculation has been rife that Donnarumma could succeed Gianluigi Buffon as the next custodian of the Azzurris. With another sterling show against Juve, all the talk are becoming a stern reality.
The Milan shot-stopper has impressed on a few occasions with the Rossoneri in the past, but this was truly special. Donnarumma not only held the fort with great aplomb, but also kept a penalty out from Dybala that proved to be a turning point in the game.
Hailed as “the future of Italy”, the teenager rose to the occasion where most of his age could’ve succumbed, laying down a marker for all to watch in awe.
#4 Frustrations mount over Max Allegri
Despite going into the new year as the table toppers, Juve’s season has been anything but smooth. A raft of injuries coupled with some dreaded performances on the road, the defeat in the Italian Supercup was the last straw of a frustrating first-half of a season for manager Massimiliano Allegri.
With as many as seventeen muscle injuries since the start of the campaign and with Alex Sandro joining the casualty list, Allegri’s headaches only seems to exacerbate with each passing game. The two-week winter hiatus that now follows couldn’t have come soon enough, as his players are in a dire need of a breather.
#5 Bonaventura and Bacca coalition vital to Milan’s revival
Giacomo Bonaventura and Carlos Bacca were the key to Milan’s victory here, and their partnership is just as vital if the Reds were to restore themselves back to their former glory.
The amazing attacking duo have plundered goals relentlessly over a year or so, and bring an element of dynamism in the attack which makes them one of the most fierce strike forces in the league.
Milan are staring at the lofty heights after a memorable night in Doha, and none could play a part in making it a reality as much as these two.
