A shaky performance, decisive individual quality and three crucial points: Milan grind out a 3-1 win and stay in the Scudetto race.
Milan returned from Como with far more than just three points. They came back with confirmation of their resilience, their individual quality, and their ability to win even on nights when the performance is far from convincing. That, at least, is how Massimiliano Allegri saw it after a demanding 3-1 victory at the Stadio Sinigaglia.
The Rossoneri struggled for long stretches against a Como side that had been almost untouchable at home this season. No team had won there since late May, and Como had conceded just four goals on their own ground before facing Milan. Yet Allegri’s team managed to break that resistance, scoring three times and handing the Larians their first home defeat of the campaign.
It was not a smooth ride. Milan changed their tactical setup three times during the match and were often disjointed, especially after falling behind. Allegri was clear that tactics were not the main issue. “It wasn’t about the system,” he explained. “We started with four midfielders and had some good passing lanes, but after going down we lost our shape and risked conceding again on a couple of counterattacks.”
The turning point came through individual brilliance. Mike Maignan’s saves at 1-0 kept Milan in the game when Como were threatening to pull away. Adrien Rabiot then delivered his first brace in a Milan shirt, while Christopher Nkunku calmly converted a penalty that helped seal the result. On Rabiot’s goal, Allegri singled out Rafael Leão for his contribution, praising his control and the quality of the assist.
The penalty moment also offered a glimpse into Allegri’s pragmatic leadership. Leão initially wanted to take it, but Nkunku is also a designated penalty taker. “In that moment, I felt Nkunku should take it,” Allegri said. The decision paid off.
In the second half, with the score level, Allegri opted to return to Milan’s usual system, sensing that Como were beginning to make technical mistakes. He also reinforced the midfield to regain control, a choice that reflected his preference for balance over spectacle. The substitutes, including Füllkrug, were praised for their attitude and impact, even if not all of them appeared on the scoresheet.
Above all, Allegri highlighted the mental strength of his side. “The team was resilient and really wanted this result,” he said. “It’s never easy against Como when you go behind. At 1-0, Maignan kept us on our feet.”
The win is significant in the broader context of the title race. Milan’s three points halted Inter’s attempt to break away at the top and keep the Rossoneri firmly in the Scudetto hunt. It was not pretty, but in Allegri’s world, results matter more than aesthetics—and on a difficult night by Lake Como, Milan delivered.
