Tijjani Reijnders’ chic end impressed Milan to an all-important 1-0 away victory towards Serie A bottom-half strugglers Hellas Verona. Paulo Fonseca’s crew lacked quite a few first-team stars however claimed three treasured factors.
Milan headed into proceedings looking for redemption for towards Genoa final weekend. It was the worst potential approach to rejoice the membership’s one hundred and twenty fifth birthday, reinforcing the stress on Fonseca to take three factors at Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi.
As if lacking the likes of Alvaro Morata, Christian Pulisic, Noah Okafor, and Yunus Musah wasn’t devastating sufficient, Milan misplaced standout winger Rafael Leao to damage already within the first half. Even with the Portuguese stalwart on the sphere, the Rossoneri didn’t do a lot within the closing third.
Apart from Filippo Terracciano’s long-range try, Milan didn’t check Lorenzo Montipo earlier than halftime. Nevertheless, it took them 11 minutes into the second half to discover a breakthrough. Youssouf Fofana dispatched Reijnders in area with an inch-perfect move.
The previous AZ Alkmaar midfielder nonetheless had lots to do. He went for a first-time end, and it was a success. Montipo was helpless as Milan went 1-0 up in one of many least eventful video games in Serie A this season. With out additional ado, let’s have a look at our participant rankings.
Milan (4-2-3-1)
Mike Maignan – 6
Verona’s substandard attacking show made it comparatively simple for the star goalkeeper. Aside from a first-half diving save to thwart Tomas Suslov’s try, he didn’t need to intervene.
Emerson Royal – 6
One other ineffective attacking exhibiting from the Brazilian full-back overshadowed a commendable defensive effort, although he didn’t want to select up that reserving.
Matteo Gabbia – 7.5
What a defender he’s turn into! Along with an unimaginable composure on the ball, Milan’s homegrown center-back gained each duel within the air and on the bottom.
Malick Thiaw – 6.5
With Gabbia doing many of the heavy lifting, the German starlet had a cushty night time, making a number of routine interventions to avert the hazard.
Alejandro Jimenez – 7
Undoubtedly Milan’s liveliest performer tonight! Leao’s damage compelled Fonseca to maneuver him increased up the pitch. The Spanish teenager demonstrated spectacular expertise and even got here near scoring.
Filippo Terracciano – 6
Threat-avert in possession, the ex-Verona utility man hardly ever gave the ball away, although he didn’t create a lot. Nevertheless, he almost broke the impasse with a thunderous strike towards the top of the primary half.
Youssouf Fofana – 7
The Frenchman’s uptick in type has considerably bolstered Milan’s midfield. His defense-splitting move teed Reijnders up for the opening aim.
Samuel Chukwueze – 6
Regardless of having fun with loads of the ball, the Nigerian’s erratic closing contact continually let him down. His decision-making is doubtful, to say the least.
Tijjani Reijnders – 7.5
He’s in a league of his personal in the meanwhile. The aim was the becoming reward for an additional scintillating efficiency, with the Dutchman establishing himself as Milan’s driving power.
Rafael Leao – 5.5
Appeared full of life within the early phases earlier than struggling an damage setback halfway by way of the primary half.
Tammy Abraham – 5
A scarcity of companies within the field diminished his affect. Nevertheless, he fought tooth and nail for each possession.
Substitutes
Theo Hernandez – 5.5
