ACMilan player ratings: Milan 2-0 Roma

In Milan’s first Serie A return they played an extraordinary game against Lecce. However, your game against the Roma would be a tougher test. Manager Stefano Pioli used the same lineup that had worked so well in the previous game. For most of the first half, the teams played at a snail’s pace with very few chances. During the first half, Milan tried to get the ball into the last third, and whenever they did, their attack deflected within seconds. Milan really only had two chances in the first half. One was when Ante Rebic rushed the Roma keeper and almost took the ball off his feet, the other was when Theo Hernandez rolled the ball straight to Hakan Calhanoglu, but he didn’t capitalize. The first half ended 0-0.

Much remained the same for a good part of the second half, as both clubs did not play very smoothly. Then coach Pioli made substitutions that changed the game. Lucas Paqueta and Alexis Saelemaekers came, suddenly Milan looked lively. Paqueta, who played behind Rebic, suited him well, as he played dangerous balls in the last third and put pressure on the Roma defense. Saelemaekers brought an energy to the right that Castillejo lacked. When pressure was put on it, chances were created and after a mess in the box, Ante Rebic shot a shot into the net, which earned Milan a goal. Theo Hernandez continued to press as his attack runs messed up Roma’s defense. Theo was attacked in the penalty area and Milan received a penalty. Calhanoglu started and scored to end the game 2-0.

Now let’s evaluate the performance of the AC Milan player

Grid

Gigio Donnarumma: Again not much for Gigio to do, but when he was needed he showed up. 6.5 / 10

Andrea Conti: For me, Conti doesn’t put much on the table and sometimes he was a ghost in this match. Milan needs someone on the right who plays similar to Theo, and they don’t have that in their squad at the moment. 5.5 / 10

Simon Kjaer:: Kjaer has been great since we returned to football, and for such a small fee, Milan should invest in Kjaer as a solid veteran presence. 7/10

Alessio Romagnoli:: The captain was solid as usual, otherwise there wasn’t much to say. 7/10

Theo Hernandez: Theo’s performance was questionable in the first half. He only had a good game (the cross with Hakan). Later in the second half, the Theo we know and love appeared and ran to allow Milan to attack, and even got a penalty. 6.5 / 10

Ismael Bennacer: Bennacer in the two-man midfield is just great to look at. In this position, he can be both a jammer and a playmaker. 7/10

Franck Kessie: Kessie continues his good form against Roma. He felt more comfortable on the ball and started making correct passes in the build-up game. 7/10

Samu Castillejo: Samu usually has a hard work rate and a certain pace, but today he was lost in the last third. Sometimes not available. 5.5 / 10

Hakan Calhanoglu: Aside from the penalty he received, Hakan moved from a master class against Lecce to a disaster class today. 5.5 / 10

Jack Bonaventura: Like Samu, Jack wasn’t good to attack today. Jack is playing behind Rebic and is expected to be a creator, but he couldn’t. 5.5 / 10

Ante Rebic: For much of the game, Rebic didn’t have a chance to shine because Milan’s attack was so terrible. Then Paqueta came and Rebic was released to do what he does best. 6.5 / 10

REPLACEMENT

Lucas Paqueta: Paqueta was a game changer in this match. We heard he did great training, but today he showed it. He allowed Milan to play more directly and was the force that changed the game in the match. 7/10

Alexis Saelemaekers: In his short appearances before, Alexis didn’t have much of a chance to shine, but today he showed some potential. He has a great job rate and showed conviction in the last third. 6/10

Rafael Leao: Leao had a few opportunities to show off his skills, but nothing really happened. In the attack, Leao only needs to be more determined to make a move and pass his defender. Sometimes he hesitates and that leads to a failed attack. 6/10