Sergio Conceicao suffered his first defeat accountable for Milan as Juventus avenged their Supercoppa Italiana heartbreak on Saturday night. Thiago Motta’s aspect netted two unanswered second-half targets to beat their fierce rivals 2-0 on the Allianz Stadium and briefly leapfrog Lazio into fourth within the Serie A desk.
Either side have presentable alternatives within the opening 45 minutes. Rafael Leao got here closest to pulling Milan 1-0 up within the first half, but Michele Di Gregorio made a last-gasp save to thwart his low effort on the road after a pleasant cutback from the resurgent Theo Hernandez.
Juventus practically punished Milan for a number of wasted probabilities on the stroke of halftime when Kenan Yildiz riffled goalward from shut vary, just for Mike Maignan to cease his effort with a comparatively comfy save. Nonetheless, the guests appeared up the creek with out a paddle after the break.
Certainly, Juventus dominated possession early within the second half and deservedly picked up the lead simply earlier than the hour mark. Samuel Mbangula’s strike took a lucky deflection of Emerson Royal, catching Maignan off steadiness as Milan fell a purpose behind of their second consecutive Serie A recreation.
Nonetheless, this time, there was no method again. Tim Weah doubled Juventus’ benefit minutes after the opening purpose to seal Milan’s destiny, protecting Conceicao’s crew six factors off the top-four tempo. With out additional ado, let’s take a look at our scores.
Milan (4-2-3-1)
Mike Maignan – 5.5
Emerson’s tried block left him powerless for the primary purpose, however he ought to’ve achieved higher to parry Weah’s shot away.
Emerson Royal – 5
It was an unfortunate deflection however most likely greatest summarized his horrible efficiency in Turin. Invisible in assault and porous on the again.
Fikayo Tomori – 5.5
Regardless of some unconvincing interventions, the Englishman fared fairly nicely till Weah comfortably bested him to finish Milan’s comeback hopes.
Matteo Gabbia – 7
The Italian slotted in for Malick Thiaw and held up his finish of the cut price, dominating his opponents within the air whereas making an important block to disclaim Teun Koopmeiners early within the first half.
Theo Hernandez – 6.5
He did all the things to arrange Leao within the first half and continued to be a menace after the halftime interval. Ought to’ve launched the ball a lot faster on a number of events.
Ismael Bennacer – 6
A prolonged spell on the sidelines took its toll on the diminutive midfielder, as he made quite a few uncharacteristic errors and appeared out of steam till being taken off halfway by way of the second half.
Youssouf Fofana – 6.5
His defensive play was commendable, however the Frenchman relied an excessive amount of on Bennacer’s passing prowess within the build-up, usually refusing to take dangers in possession.
Tijjani Reijnders – 5.5
A uncommon evening off for the Dutchman! Too nonchalant at instances, he didn’t be the linchpin between Milan’s midfield and assault as he has usually been this season.
Rafael Leao – 6
Since Di Gregorio saved his shot within the first half, the Milan talisman vanished from the pitch. He tried to take extra duty at 2-0, nevertheless it was too late.
Yunus Musah – 5.5
Conceicao’s experiment with the USMNT midfielder on the wing was an epic catastrophe. His attacking limitations got here to the fore, overshadowing his defensive effort.
Tammy Abraham – 5
A forgettable evening for Alvaro Morata’s deputy wasn’t totally his fault, contemplating he lacked service within the field regardless of combating tooth and nail for each possession.
Substitutes
Alejandro Jimenez – 5.5
