HERNÁNDEZ IS THE MVP FROM AC MILAN v CAGLIARI

Unparalleled, uncontainable, leader. We're running out of adjectives and praise for Theo Hernández. AC Milan booked their place in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, beating Cagliari 4-1, and Theo - who in the closing stages of the game took over the captain's armband - once again proved his weight in gold.

He was magnificent in both sides of the game. At the back, he led a young and new defensive unit, consisting of 18-year olds Simić and Jiménez, with personality, and lit up San Siro going forward with his explosinve accelarations and two pinpoint assists for Luka Jović's brace that set the result on its way. The Rossoneri full-back came ahead of the Serbian centre-forward and Chaka Traorè, who grab his first-ever goal as an AC Milan player, in the vote by fans on the AC Milan Official App.

With many changes and different dangers, Cagliari were not to be underestimated. In the 29th minute, he created something out of nothing with his left to pick out Jović in the area and break the deadlock, while in the 42nd minute, the home crowd vigorously joined him on an explosive drive forward, culminating with the number 15's second assist of the evening. Winning back possession in the defensive third, Hernández set off on a full-length run of the pitch, dodging past three opposing players and setting up Luka with a chance he could not miss.

The double assist in the Coppa Italia isn't something new. In fact, Theo had already provided two assists in the home match against Genoa in January 2022. Precise and punctual in every defensive action, quick and determined in his offensive play: a round of applause for him at San Siro, keep it up, Theo!