Classy kid Cutrone is Milan hero

MILAN — The new-look AC Milan team proved just as effective in Serie A as it has been in Europe, easing to a 3-0 win at 10-man Crotone on Sunday — albeit with the aid of video technology.

Milan, which beat Shkendija 6-0 in the Europa League on Thursday, started a number of its new signings but it was academy graduate Patrick Cutrone who made the difference.

“He had a great game,” Milan coach Vincenzo Montella said.

“I hope for Patrick that he can remain calm, he will be able to improve with us. He’s hungry and determined.”

Crotone got off to the worst possible start. After only four minutes, Federico Ceccherini brought down Cutrone and, after consulting with the VAR, the referee sent off the defender and awarded the visitor a penalty, which Franck Kessie converted for his first goal for his new club.

“I like the VAR,” Crotone coach Davide Nicola said. “Today it went against us, tomorrow it could help us. I think it’s right to use it, you accept refereeing decisions better.”

The 19-year-old Cutrone got on the scoresheet himself in the 18th minute, heading home Suso’s cross.

Cutrone also had a hand in Milan’s third, springing the offside trap before pulling the ball back for Suso to fire into the bottom-right corner.

Inter impresses

Video technology was also needed in Inter Milan’s 3-0 victory over Fiorentina, which saw visiting coach Stefano Pioli return to San Siro just a few months after being fired by the Nerazzurri.