According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, only Christian Pulisic and Diego Moreira impressed Gerry Cardinale during Milan’s 1-1 draw with Sassuolo, but the club owner was disappointed by the rest of the team, including Adrien Rabiot.
Cardinale was in the stands at Mapei Stadium for Milan’s 1-1 draw against Sassuolo on Sunday, and Italian media reported his unhappiness the day after.
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – OCTOBER 11: Gerry Cardinale of AC Milan talks with Ruben Amorim Head Coach of AC Milan prior to the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on October 11, 2026 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Today’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport goes deeper, naming the players who left Cardinale unsatisfied.
The Milan owner was reportedly disappointed with the team’s overall performance, and Adrien Rabiot also failed to meet his expectations, despite scoring the Rossoneri’s only goal.
Cardinale reportedly believes the Frenchman lost possession too often and was generally concerned by the team’s disjointed performance.
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – OCTOBER 11: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan gestures during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on October 11, 2026 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
This includes Gonçalo Ramos as well. The Portuguese striker was Milan’s most expensive summer acquisition, but has scored only one goal so far.
Gazzetta notes that the ex-PSG striker generally finds himself chasing the ball in areas ill-suited to the team’s only centre-forward, and Sassuolo was no exception. As a result, he appears disconnected from the play.
Cardinale, on the other hand, was satisfied with Pulisic and Moreira’s performances, who, at least, tried to hurt Sassuolo, even if only through individual initiatives.
Last but not least, Milan have failed to cause problems for opponents from set pieces and have already conceded three goals from dead-ball situations, including one against Sassuolo.
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – OCTOBER 11: Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan competes for the ball with Armand Lauriente of US Sassuolo during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on October 11, 2026 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
According to the report, Cardinale isn’t only happy with his players, but with referee Francesco Fourneau as well.
Cardinale believes Milan deserved a penalty kick for a foul on Koni De Winer, while Armand Laurienté could have been sent off for a foul on Mario Gila at the edge of Milan’s box.
Milan have won only one of their last five games and will face RB Salzburg away on Thursday in the Europa League Round 2.