5 things about AC Milan's hard-fought win over Fiorentina

Welcome to the 5 Things recap by theScore's Anthony Lopopolo, which highlights AC Milan's performances over the 2018-19 season. Here's a breakdown of Milan's 1-0 victory over Fiorentina.

Tale of two halves

Milan were full of purpose in the first half. It wasn't possession for the sake of possession; Milan actually created significant chances. But they fell away in the second stanza. Fiorentina attacked with ease down their right-hand side and forced Gianluigi Donnarumma and his defenders to scramble. Milan's attacking verve dissipated and the players began to make mistakes. Alessio Romagnoli led the way with a desperate tackle that prevented a sure goal. But he and his teammates got the win. Even if they didn't manage the lead very well, they showed they can fight through the suffering. Milan can still count themselves in the Champions League race.

Borini gives his all

Fabio Borini was positive and relentless. He made contributions in all phases of the pitch, winning important free-kicks and contesting possession. Borini also cleared corner kicks and blocked shots. It almost feels right that he came off with his head bandaged up; it looked like he was at war all match. Borini even showed some technique to create a good chance for himself in the second half. He's stepped up in the last few weeks of the season.

Suso fades in and out

If only he could last a full match. Suso was busy at work in the first half but couldn't carry that initiative into the second. Even before he set up Hakan Calhanoglu for the eventual winning goal, Suso sent in a couple of delectable balls and should've finished off a scoring opportunity of his own. Milan tend to play their best football when the Spaniard is on form. That's why those first 45 minutes were some of Milan's best in recent weeks. Suso just lacks the consistency to be a constant threat.

Calhanoglu racks up kilometers

Every time Calhanoglu starts in midfield, he plays with a different dimension. This was one of those times. The Turkish international moved all over the pitch and put himself in threatening areas. That's how he scored his decisive header, his first goal in an extensive 84 days. Popping up on the left and right, Calhanoglu exploited the half-spaces and led the way with four attempts on goal. No one put in a heavier shift than Calhanoglu, who covered 11.812 kilometers throughout the match.

Donnarumma sharp as ever

It's hard not to mention Donnarumma after every match. He was once again a calming presence in goal, collecting crosses cleanly and slowing down the game when his teammates needed a mental break. Donnarumma also made a crucial reaction save on Franck Kessie, whose clearance attempt nearly resulted in an own goal. The goalkeeper has shown an impressive level of maturity to rebound the way he has from some of his previous blunders.