The avoidable suspension to Olivier Giroud proved painfully costly for Milan as they dropped two points to Cremonese, allowing Napoli to go eight points clear at the top of the table.
The Rossoneri dominated proceedings in Cremona last night, controlling 73% of the ball and making 633 passes to Cremonese’s 231. Despite this control, Stefano Pioli’s side couldn’t break the deadlock and were left frustrated come the full time whistle, taking home only a point against the newly promoted side.
La Gazzetta dello Sport highlights how the weight of Giroud’s absence was apparent, with his replacement Divock Origi failing to be decisive up front. Rafael Leao also had a disappointing performance and it was the same story for his fellow forwards like Ante Rebic and Charles De Ketelaere.
The result suggests that Milan are increasingly reliant on Leao and Giroud, with no other obvious sources of goals. Giroud will be hoping to make the difference in the Rossoneri’s final game before the World Cup break against Fiorentina on November 13.