Giuseppe Cacace/AFP/Getty ImagesPlaying in a more withdrawn role in the midfield, Kevin-Prince Boateng, right, was highly effective against Juventus and helped set up Stephan El Shaarawy, left, with a goal.

The Coppa objective is over. Having fallen to a 2-1 defeat to Juventus in Turin on Wednesday night, Milan surrendered their most realistic (or only) chance of silverware this season.

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However, the Rossoneri arguably deserved more having created several opportunities throughout a fairly balanced game, pushing for an equaliser deep into extra time. In addition, we also saw a much improved Kevin-Prince Boateng in a more withdrawn midfield role.

"I am happy with the performance because we had several chances to equalise. It's a shame about the result, but we can improve and deserved more from this match." Massimiliano Allegri was rightly pleased with the display, but will feel aggrieved that Milan failed to come away with a victory having lacked a killer edge to put away their chances.

Allegri fielded Boateng in midfield for the trip to Turin, sitting alongside Riccardo Montolivo and Massimo Ambrosini. Having previously failed to deliver in a more advanced attacking role or in the much heralded 'false 9' position this season, Boateng responded with a performance that has been lacking for quite some time.

Breaking forward with pace when required, most significantly to lay on the assist for Stephan El Shaarawy's opener, Boateng seamlessly combined it with a battling display in the middle while also tracking back when needed.

Personally, I've felt that this all-action box-to-box midfield role better suits the Ghanaian. Having spoken of the pressure on the shoulders of Montolivo in a previous post, Boateng's movement and availability provides dynamism and solidity to the midfield, the only problem was the lack of quality in the final third.

While goal-scoring duty was left to the ever impressive El Shaarawy, Mbaye Niang did little harm to his cause of breaking into the starting eleven, albeit showing signs of his inexperience at key points. Giving more reassurance to the new youth policy the club has adopted, even more so following the news of Riccardo Saponara's signing and the solid consistency of Mattia De Sciglio.

However, in contrast, Giampaolo Pazzini was largely ineffective and barely made an impact throughout his time on the pitch aside from his contribution to the goal. Urby Emanuelson was similarly disappointing, while questions could be asked, perhaps slightly harshly, of Francesco Acerbi and surplus players such as Bakaye Traore.

So what does this all mean? Milan must now concentrate on the league, or more specifically improve their position in Serie A. With a meeting with Barcelona to come next month, the Rossoneri have clear priorities for the remainder of the season and will be fully focused on securing third place.

It could have been a season-saving feat had they managed to secure Coppa Italia glory, but they must now quickly forget and move on, instead preparing themselves for the clash with Sampdoria on Sunday night. However, one thing Allegri should take away from this game is that Boateng should continue to be where he spent his night in Turin, in the heart of the midfield battle.

Should Boateng be moved back into the midfield permanently? Which players should Milan ditch in January?

For all the latest Milan and Serie A news, you can follow me on Twitter @italiafooty

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