Milan win season opener
Sassuolo 0-3 A.C. Milan (Serie A)
El Shaarawy, Balotelli, Essien
BalotelliA.C. Milan's Serie A season got off to a flying start under new manager Antonio Conte. Goals from Michael Essien and strike partners, Stephan El Shaarawy and Mario Balotelli, sealed all three points in a comfortable encounter for the Rossoneri.
In the first 15 minutes, little was to be reported. Both teams chose to hold onto the ball for as long as possible to feel their way into the game. Soon after, a moment of brilliance separated the two sides. Some neat passing from Essien, Poli and Balotelli ended with the ball being played into El Sharaawy on the turn. The 20-year-old curled the ball from the edge of the area and into the top right-hand corner to give the visitors the lead.
The remaining minutes of the first half were spent with the Rossoneri keeping hold of possession and frustrating their hosts. At half time, Conte removed Mattia De Sciglio from the field to be replaced by fellow Italian wing-back Ignazio Abate.
Sassuolo, whom avoided relegation by two points last season, threatened twice at the beginning of the second half. Slovenian midfielder Jasmin Kurtic won the ball in the Milan half of the field and played the ball through for experienced striker Sergio Floccari whom was bearing down on goal. The 31-year-old slotted the ball under Zieler and into the back of the net - only to be ruled offside by the linesman. Just minutes later, Icelandic winger Hallfreosson's wild cross rattled the Milan woodwork after confusing Zieler.
As Milan regained their foothold in the game, wing-back Abate's long ball forward confused defender Bergonzini whom mistimed his jump - leaving striker Mario Balotelli the simple task of rounding the Sassuolo goalkeeper and adding a finish.
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