5 takeaways from AC Milan's plucky win vs. Sampdoria

Welcome to the 5 Things recap by theScore's Anthony Lopopolo, which highlights AC Milan's performances over the 2018-19 season. Here, a breakdown of Milan's 2-0 victory over Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia round of 16 on Saturday.

1. Cutrone lethal as ever

Patrick Cutrone is the savior once again. He has an impeccable sense of timing and an even greater sense of his surroundings, finding pockets of space to infiltrate before hitting the back of the net. The first goal was set up and taken with perfection. Cutrone wedged himself between two Sampdoria defenders, waited for the cross, and accelerated to beat his markers. It was such a simple play, but not an easy one to execute. Cutrone proved again he doesn't need many chances to score.

2. Conti makes instant impact

Gennaro Gattuso has handled Andrea Conti carefully, and that's understandable given his long injury layoff. But it's time to unleash the 24-year-old. Conti's cross to Cutrone for the winning goal was beautiful, and not only because it was whipped in accurately. Conti has the underrated ability to deliver early crosses, and those are the hardest to defend. It forces defenders to backpedal and creates space for attackers. Milan have had a difficult time crossing with purpose this season, and it's because many of their deliveries come from a standstill position. Conti is proactive in this department, and as a more attack-minded full-back, he can give Milan some more width on the right flank.

3. Paqueta's debut encouraging

It didn't seem like a debut at all. Lucas Paqueta was right at home, playing with calmness and strength in a difficult stadium. He was attentive to his surroundings, in the right positions, and aggressive on the ball. It was difficult for Sampdoria to dispossess the 21-year-old, who looked very comfortable in a three-man midfield. The scouting reports have so far rung true.

4. Reina gives Milan chance to win

Reina wasn't too convincing to start the match, mishandling a shot in the first half that Gianluca Caprari should've buried. But the 36-year-old went on to make crucial saves after the interval. There's no question Milan would've lost without Reina's help. He cut down the angles and made himself big on several occasions and kick-started counterattacks with quick throws out of the box. Reina earned his money in this one.

5. Gattuso's substitutions pay off

Gattuso may have had no choice, but his aggressive substitutions in extra time changed the game. Bringing on Cutrone for Samu Castillejo meant a switch to a 4-4-2 formation, and that caused problems for Sampdoria. Gattuso also brought on Conti for Ignazio Abate in an attempt to attack more down the right. It was a much-needed correction after a difficult 90 minutes. Gattuso didn't do a good enough job preparing his players for Sampdoria's high press, and the horizontal passes that Milan played triggered even more pressing. However, Gattuso affected the match in a more positive way in extra time and should get credit for that.