Cardinale’s Sassuolo Disappointment: AC Milan Owner Returns to USA Frustrated After Draw

FolioPitch.com – 12 October 2026 | Gerry Cardinale, the owner of AC Milan, made the trip to the Mapei Stadium with high hopes of witnessing his team secure a victory against Sassuolo. Instead, he left the ground deflated, as the Rossoneri surrendered a lead and were forced to settle for a draw. The sentiment that GdS Cardinale will return to the USA disappointed after witnessing Sassuolo draw is one that resonates deeply with the club’s faithful, who share the owner’s frustration.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Cardinale had described the Milan side that beat Lecce before the international break as the finest and most clinical of his tenure. However, yesterday’s performance felt unfinished once again, prompting the American businessman to head back to the United States feeling rather disheartened. The draw against Sassuolo, a team that Milan were expected to overcome, has left a sour taste in the mouth of the ownership, especially given the club’s ambitions for the season.

The match itself was a tale of two halves. Milan took the lead and appeared to be in control, but they failed to show the killer instinct to put the game to bed. Then, carelessly, they lost their defensive shape during a corner, allowing Sassuolo to equalize almost immediately. It was a sucker punch that left players, staff, and the owner in disbelief. The fact that GdS Cardinale will return to the USA disappointed after witnessing Sassuolo draw is a clear indication that the ownership demands better, even in the early stages of the season.

Ruben Amorim, Milan’s coach, remains unbeaten in Serie A, a record he shares with seasoned counterparts like Cristian Chivu, Gian Piero Gasperini, and Gennaro Gattuso. Yet, having surrendered a lead and dropped two points, Amorim would gladly trade that zero in the loss column for a few more points on the board. He operates according to his own logic: the team’s position isn’t bad, but from his perspective, the current Milan side are capable of more than what was seen in the opening weeks. The team appear more dynamic and disciplined, but they are still lacking in the management of certain moments.

Yesterday’s team successfully handled one-on-one situations against Laurienté and Berardi, players who are lethal on the counter-attack. Yet, they got ahead and conceded nearly instantly. In short: the draw feels like a defeat, but the work does seem to be slowly bearing fruit. However, for Cardinale, there is no room for moral victories. He expects results, and he accepts no excuses, even regarding certain refereeing decisions.

Cardinale felt that Laurienté’s foul on Gila warranted a penalty, yet the Sassuolo forward was not even booked. It was just one of several contentious incidents that left the Milan hierarchy fuming. The owner’s frustration is compounded by the fact that he has injected €50m in equity to finance more reinforcements in the winter, and he wants to see signs that the summer investments – like the €75m man Goncalo Ramos – can take the team forward.

The pressure is mounting on Amorim and his squad to deliver consistent results. Cardinale will return for the Atalanta match, hoping to see the improvements that the break failed to deliver. The draw against Sassuolo was a missed opportunity, and the owner’s disappointment is a clear signal that mediocrity will not be tolerated. As the season progresses, Milan must find a way to turn draws into wins, or risk falling further behind their rivals.

In conclusion, the draw against Sassuolo was a stark reminder that Milan still have work to do. The fact that GdS Cardinale will return to the USA disappointed after witnessing Sassuolo draw should serve as a wake-up call for the entire squad. The owner’s commitment to the club is evident, but he demands success. With the winter transfer window approaching, Milan have a chance to strengthen and address their weaknesses. However, the players must also step up and show the killer instinct that was missing against Sassuolo. Only then can they hope to challenge for honors and keep their owner smiling.