Relegation-battling Sassuolo ended a nightmarish eight-match winless run in Serie A with a thumping 5-2 win at reigning champions Milan. On the other hand, another embarrassing display from the home side threw their top-four hopes into doubt.
Milan headed into proceedings amid a rough patch, facing the risk of going winless in six consecutive matches in all competitions for the first time since 2018. Stefano Pioli rang several changes to his favorite starting line-up after overseeing three straight league games without winning (D2, L1).
Headline performer Rafael Leao was left on the bench following a dip in form, with Pioli handing Charles De Ketelaeare a rare Serie A start. Tactical alterations, including Ante Rebic’s return to the starting XI, paid off almost instantly. But it was regular first-team stalwarts to deliver the goods.
