In what was a rather lacklustre performance by the rossoneri on Sunday against Serie A strugglers Crotone, the pitagorici gave Milan things to think about. The relegation threatened outfit looked really good going forward on the break and there were times when they looked a bit too compact for Vincenzo Montella's team, who eventually ended up winning the game. Milan were made to work hard for their three points and it required a late strike from summer signing Gianluca Lapadula (his first at the San Siro) to see off Davide Nicola’s side.


 

The 26-year-old only started his goal-scoring run recently, after netting his first goal in Milan colours against Palermo. Since then, he has scored three times in as many games. In the absence of the usually influential Carlos Bacca, the Italian has proved that he is good enough to play for a side that is looking to get back to competing with Europe’s best.  

Lapadula's dynamism is something that makes him a perfect fit for a side that relies on its players working hard. Often dubbed as having a 'heart of a lion', the 26-year-old is a true grafter. He has the engine to run throughout the game, never giving opposition defenders a minute’s peace. This allows him to be versatile on the pitch and take up varying positions across the field. 


 

It isn't his ferocity and hunger that has made him a near cult-hero at Milan already, it’s his eye for goal and clinical finishing that has impressed. After playing second-fiddle before Bacca's injury lay-off, he has shown glimpses of the fact that he can assume the role of being Milan's regular first-choice striker. His approach to the game makes him a player who is better than Bacca in terms of work-rate and probably equal in terms of getting the goals.  

Lapadula's all-round ability as a footballer was probably the primary reason he was snapped up, with the second one being Bacca's imminent move elsewhere. With latest reports suggesting that the Chinese takeover has been delayed until February, the Rossoneri are set to be strapped for cash in the winter transfer window. With Montella apparently unhappy about Bacca commuting to Seville to watch a game, latest rumours have linked Bacca with a move to Arsenal.
 

Montella is said to be a big fan of Lapadula and could well make him the first choice soon. Bacca's sale meanwhile, could probably prompt the former Fiorentina boss to play M'Baye Niang up front, with the Frenchman having enjoyed an impressive season so far.

 

As things stand, Milan need for consistency to stay where they are. Lapadula's tireless attitude towards playing and getting the goals would be a massive part of their armoury, as the season wears on. coming With a massive game against Roma coming up, it will be interesting to see if the Italian keeps his place in the side ahead of Bacca; early indications are that he will.



Kaustubh Pandey @TheFootyMad