GdS: A game of disguises as Gimenez responds ahead of Coppa Italia final | OneFootball

Santiago Gimenez played a leading role in AC Milan’s 3-1 win over Bologna and could perhaps start in the Coppa Italia final. However, as highlighted by a report, that will be a completely different game.

As highlighted by today’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport (see photo below), just like we saw against Genoa (0-1 to 2-1), Milan turned the game around against Bologna (0-1 to 3-1) and thus boosted their confidence ahead of the Coppa Italia final.

Santiago Gimenez bagged a brace off the bench, now on six goals in 17 appearances, and Samuel Chukwueze impressed too as Milan switched from the 3-4-3 to 4-2-3-1 mid-game. Of course, the win doesn’t guarantee any superiority over Bologna, with a very different game expected next week.

A game of disguises

Without the suspended Rafael Leao, Sergio Conceicao fielded Joao Felix on the left flank and Ruben Loftus-Cheek in midfield. That being said, neither of them should start in Rome. Rafael Leao will take his spot back and Youssouf Fofana will also be back in action.

As for Bologna, changes will also be expected as there were only four starters in the XI: Lukasz Skorupski, Sam Beukema, Remo Freuler and Riccardo Orsolini. Therefore, yesterday’s first half seemed like a game of mirrors and disguises, with both managers looking to confuse each other.

The tactical battle will no doubt continue at Stadio Olimpico, but the point is that perhaps the ‘preparation game’ wasn’t really that yesterday. With so much expected to change from both sides (just Leao coming on for Milan is significant), we should expect a different game.

Gimenez in paradise

At the start of the second half, Bologna fell into the temptation of defending their lead, underestimating Milan and their ability to react in adversity. Shortly after the hour mark, Conceicao turned the tables by switching from the 3-4-3 to a 4-2-3-1

Gimenez as the No.9, Chukwueze on the wing and Joao Felix in the No.10 role, where he expresses himself the best. The wind changed and three overwhelming goals arrived. First Gimenez, then Pulisic and then the Mexican striker again.

In the top five European leagues, only Atletico Madrid have won more points from losing positions, 23 against Milan’s 22. 19 of which were collected with Conceicao, proving how the Portuguese coach has given the Rossoneri a soul.

They are now just three points behind fourth place, the Champions League, and there can certainly be regret for some of the points dropped during the course of the season.