Milan picked up a hard-fought 1-0 win over Verona on Sunday night, but there were some disappointing individual performances across the pitch.
The Rossoneri toiled as Krzysztof Piatek’s second-half penalty was the difference between the two sides as we struggled to find a breakthrough despite the hosts being reduced to 10 men after just 21 minutes.
SEE MORE: Five key talking points as Milan toil in unconvincing win over Verona
Naturally, it became difficult to break them down as they defended deeper and looked to solely counter attack, but Milan needed to show more quality in that situation to make it a convincing win.
Having failed to do so, Marco Giampaolo has much to think about heading into the Derby della Madonnina next weekend, as there were a number of poor displays at the Bentegodi on Sunday, particularly from our midfield trio and creative individuals.
Gianluigi Donnarumma: 6 – Alert when called upon, especially to deny Verona an early goal, and although he didn’t have a great deal to do thereafter, he dealt with any danger with minimal fuss to register another important clean sheet.
Davide Calabria: 5.5 – Unfortunate not to score with an excellent strike that hit the post, and although he did defend well for the most part and offered width down the right flank, his rating drops after his late red card.
Mateo Musacchio: 6 – Often vulnerable to making a mistake, the Argentine defender put in a solid performance this time round as he provided a strong platform to win the game while also playing a key role in building our attacks from the back.
Alessio Romagnoli: 6 – Another impressive outing from our captain as he looked assured and composed on the ball while reading the game well and timing his tackles perfectly to make some key interceptions.
Ricardo Rodriguez: 5 – Struggled to deal with Faraoni throughout and almost got caught out at the back post after switching off. Coupled with his usual limited performance in attack, his place in the side is surely under threat with Theo Hernandez closing in on a return.
Franck Kessie: 5.5 – Offered his usual energy, tenacity and runs forward to offer a different dynamic in attack, but the quality wasn’t there to match on the ball. Improved in the second half, but more needed.
Lucas Biglia: 5 – Did well at times to sweep up dangerous Verona attacks, but he was a passenger in our build-up play as he seemed content to get lost amongst the crowd in midfield rather than make himself an option to the back four. Disappointing in that regard, Ismael Bennacer will surely come back in next weekend.
Hakan Calhanoglu: 5.5 – Really sloppy in the first half as he was wasteful in possession, and given our advantage after the sending off, it’s up to our creative players like Calhanoglu to make the difference. Played a key role in the penalty, but that aside, must do better.
Suso: 5 – Disappointing performance as the Spaniard was predictable and lacked the decisive touch in the final third to make a dent in the Verona backline. Too often now goes for his usual cut inside and curl a left-footed effort towards goal tactic, and when it doesn’t come off, he struggles to offer much else.
Lucas Paqueta: 5 – Disappointing from the Brazilian despite being given a chance to impress in a more advanced role, as he couldn’t really settle into the game and make his influence felt. After a booking in the first half, was replaced at half-time with Giampaolo perhaps looking to protect him from a second yellow.
Krzysztof Piatek: 6 – Still needs to do better in the final phase with his movement and finishing, but will be delighted to get his first goal of the season. Confidently dispatched his penalty into the back of the net, showed good alertness to pounce for a second which was ultimately disallowed. Some positive signs, but still plenty to improve on.
Substitutes
Ante Rebic: 5.5 – Showed some flashes of quality down the left flank with technical skill on the ball and change of pace to take his man on. A bit frantic at times though, and so will hope to settle with more playing time.