Cardinale’s Critical Eye: Only Pulisic and Moreira Impress in Milan’s Disappointing Draw

FolioPitch.com – 13 October 2026 | AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale was left unimpressed by his team’s performance in their 1-1 draw against Sassuolo on Sunday, with a new report suggesting that only Christian Pulisic and Diego Moreira met his expectations. The report, which details Cardinale’s assessment from the stands at the Mapei Stadium, indicates that the American businessman was particularly disappointed with the overall display, including that of Adrien Rabiot, despite the Frenchman scoring Milan’s only goal. This aligns with the growing sentiment that Report Cardinale impressed by just two Milan players vs Sassuolo not Rabiot, highlighting a significant gap between the owner’s standards and the team’s current output.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Cardinale was in Reggio nell’Emilia to witness firsthand what has become a troubling pattern for the Rossoneri. The draw leaves Milan with just one win in their last five matches across all competitions, a run that has raised questions about the squad’s depth and tactical cohesion. While Rabiot found the back of the net, his performance was marred by frequent loss of possession, which reportedly frustrated Cardinale. The owner’s dissatisfaction wasn’t limited to Rabiot, as several other players failed to make a positive impression.

Pulisic and Moreira Shine Amidst the Gloom

Christian Pulisic and Diego Moreira were the lone bright spots in an otherwise lackluster outing. Pulisic, as usual, was a constant threat with his dribbling and creativity, trying to unlock the Sassuolo defense through individual brilliance. Moreira, the young Portuguese winger, also showed flashes of promise, injecting energy and directness whenever he had the ball. Their efforts, however, were not enough to mask the team’s broader issues. The fact that Report Cardinale impressed by just two Milan players vs Sassuolo not Rabiot underscores the need for more consistent contributions from the rest of the squad.

Rabiot’s Mixed Display

Adrien Rabiot’s goal might have salvaged a point, but his overall performance left much to be desired. The French midfielder, who joined Milan with high expectations, was often careless in possession and struggled to assert control in the middle of the park. Cardinale reportedly believes that Rabiot’s tendency to give the ball away put unnecessary pressure on the defense. This criticism is part of a larger pattern: the owner expects his star players to deliver week in and week out, and Rabiot’s inconsistency is a concern.

Gonçalo Ramos: A Striker Adrift

Another player who failed to impress was Gonçalo Ramos. Milan’s most expensive summer signing has managed just one goal since his arrival, and his integration into the team has been slow. Against Sassuolo, Ramos was often seen chasing the ball in areas far from the penalty box, disconnected from the midfield and isolated as the lone center-forward. His movement, or lack thereof, has become a talking point among fans and pundits alike. For a player of his pedigree, more is expected, and Cardinale’s disappointment is understandable.

Set-Piece Woes Continue

Milan’s defensive frailties from set pieces were once again exposed. Sassuolo’s goal came from a dead-ball situation, marking the third time this season that Milan have conceded from a set piece. This vulnerability has cost the team valuable points and is a glaring weakness that the coaching staff must address. Cardinale, who is known for his attention to detail, is reportedly unhappy with the lack of organization and concentration in these moments.

Referee Decisions Add to Frustration

Cardinale’s frustration wasn’t solely directed at his players. The report also notes that he was unhappy with referee Francesco Fourneau’s decisions. Milan felt they deserved a penalty for a foul on Koni De Winter, and there was a strong case for Armand Laurienté to be sent off for a foul on Mario Gila. These contentious calls added to the sense of injustice, but Cardinale’s primary concern remains the team’s performance. The fact that Report Cardinale impressed by just two Milan players vs Sassuolo not Rabiot highlights that even with favorable refereeing, Milan might not have secured all three points.

Looking Ahead: Salzburg Test

Milan’s attention now shifts to the Europa League, where they face RB Salzburg away on Thursday. This match presents an opportunity to bounce back and restore some confidence. However, the challenges are evident. The team must find a way to get the best out of players like Ramos and Rabiot while maintaining the attacking threat provided by Pulisic and Moreira. Cardinale will be watching closely, and another subpar performance could lead to further scrutiny. The owner’s patience may be wearing thin, and the pressure is on the coaching staff and players to deliver.

Conclusion

Gerry Cardinale’s dissatisfaction with Milan’s performance against Sassuolo is a clear signal that mediocrity will not be tolerated. While Pulisic and Moreira offered glimpses of quality, the overall display fell short of expectations. The report that Cardinale was impressed by just two Milan players, not Rabiot, serves as a wake-up call for the entire squad. With crucial fixtures on the horizon, Milan must address their weaknesses, particularly in set-piece defense and attacking cohesion. If they fail to do so, the season could spiral into disappointment, and Cardinale’s patience may run out. For now, the focus is on Salzburg, where the Rossoneri have a chance to prove that they can rise to the occasion.