Football
Sumeet Paul, AC Milan blogger 6y

Cutrone impresses as Milan cruise past Verona in Coppa Italia

AC Milan booked a showdown with rivals Inter in the next round of the Coppa Italia after their comfortable 3-0 win over Verona on Wednesday. Goals from Suso, Alessio Romagnoli and Patrick Cutrone handed Gennaro Gattuso another win as the Rossoneri look to build some momentum.

Positives

It was another solid performance and result that will only build confidence within the group. Milan controlled the game well and applied sustained pressure, exactly what was expected of them while limiting dangerous situations defensively.

Negatives

The reaction Gianluigi Donnarumma received from the supporters at the San Siro was disappointing amid more transfer speculation over his future. There were banners and jeers aimed at the goalkeeper, who was seen being consoled by Leonardo Bonucci in the dressing room before kickoff.

Manager rating out of 10

7 -- Although he's still got a long way to go to dismiss doubts entirely, we're seeing a more aggressive, committed and composed Milan under Gattuso. As he sticks with the 4-3-3 system, he's getting results and long may it continue.

Player ratings out of 10 (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Gianluigi Donnarumma, 7 -- Taking into consideration what he had to deal with from the stands, it was a very mature and impressive display. Made a couple of key saves and looked composed throughout.

DF Davide Calabria, 7 -- Will have tougher nights ahead, but performed well defensively to limit the threat posed by Verona on his flank while he was always a willing runner to offer an overlap option to Suso.

DF Leonardo Bonucci, 7 -- It's going to be a similar theme for the entire backline, as although they looked solid, they were never particularly troubled and weren't called into action regularly. In turn, the captain had a comfortable outing.

DF Alessio Romagnoli, 7 -- Helped to keep things tight at the back, and scored his third goal of the season, with his goals becoming a welcome bonus. Continues to help build play from the back with his technical quality on the ball too.

DF Ricardo Rodriguez, 6 -- Milan looked to get a little lost when attacking down the left flank but that wasn't solely down to Rodriguez. Was reliable as ever defensively, and was always pushing up to offer width to the team.

MF Franck Kessie, 6 -- It was a familiar story for the combative midfielder, as he offered plenty of grit, determination and bursting runs forward to help win the battle in the middle. However, he needs to start adding assists and goals to his game as he gets in great positions.

MF Riccardo Montolivo, 7 -- After being a scapegoat for so long, the midfield stalwart was applauded by the fans when substituted as he continues to impress. Will hope to extend this form for as long as possible as he's a reliable figure for Gattuso in midfield regardless of his limitations.

MF Giacomo Bonaventura, 7 -- Not as decisive as he was at the weekend, but Bonaventura is enjoying himself in this role under Gattuso. Good to see him get more minutes under his belt and playing consistently, as it should lead to better results for him personally and for the team.

FW Suso, 7 -- On the scoresheet coupled with an assist for the third goal, the Spaniard was back to being decisive. Continues to battle with inconsistency, but with Milan dominating and needing to find a spark to get breakthroughs, he stood up and delivered.

FW Andre Silva, 6 -- A positive performance from the Portuguese forward as he grabbed an assist for the second goal. Constantly on the move and eager to get on the ball to make things happen, although he's perhaps a bit selfish at times when he should be looking to make key passes.

FW Patrick Cutrone, 7 -- The youngster bagged his eighth goal of the season in an impressive display as he was asked to showcase his tactical flexibility too. Determined and committed as ever, he continues to deliver and has to be utilised more often.

Substitutes

DF Luca Antonelli, 6 -- Although he should be seen as nothing more than a squad player, Antonelli did his job on Wednesday as he came on to offer a fresh pair of legs and did well.

FW Fabio Borini, 6 -- Should have arguably had the night off given his tireless running when he plays, and fans were treated to more of the same from him as he had a decent impact on the game.

MF Lucas Biglia, 6 -- Hit the crossbar with a fine effort, while he came on and kept things tidy and ticking in midfield. Similarly to every player mentioned above though, there will be tougher tests ahead this season as Verona were poor.

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