Milan slipped to a 2-1 defeat to Torino on Thursday night as a quick-fire double from Andrea Belotti turned things round after Krzysztof Piatek broke the deadlock.
The Rossoneri were in control in the opening 45 minutes and looked impressive, but they soon lost their way in the second half before fluffing their lines in injury-time to suffer another loss.
SEE MORE: Five key talking points as Milan squander lead and fall to disappointing defeat at Torino
While there were positives to take from the game, there were also several key issues that ultimately contributed to the defeat which now leaves Marco Giampaolo under increasing pressure as we slip further off the pace at the top of the standings.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, 5 – Steady for the most part even though he was troubled at times with deliveries into the box, but looked composed and strong. However, should have done better on the first goal as although it was a fierce effort, got his hand to it and had to keep it out given his shot-stopping ability.
Davide Calabria, 6 – Did well in trying to push forward to offer support in attack, and coped well defensively especially given he was offered little help from Suso who failed to track back and nullify Ola Aina’s threat.
Mateo Musacchio, 5.5 – Looked solid for the most part and made a decisive goal-saving tackle as he looked set to put in a great shift. As often is the case though, let himself down as he was bullied by Belotti in the second half and let him cut inside onto his right foot for the first goal far too easily to spark the comeback.
Alessio Romagnoli, 6 – Accurate and composed in possession and commanding in defence, it was another top performance from the captain. Even showed his attacking qualities as he should have had an assist but for Piatek’s poor miss.
Theo Hernandez, 6 – For a full debut, it was a promising start as he pushed forward relentlessly down the left flank to offer more intensity and urgency in our play. Wasteful and tried too much at times, but there is no doubt that he’ll continue to improve and settle.
Franck Kessie, 5 – Does all the hard work and plays a key role in midfield both on and off the ball, but it’s the same old story with Kessie as he showed absolutely no composure in front of goal as he lashed a brilliant chance against the crossbar. Replays showed he was onside, and so he spurned yet another great chance to score.
Ismael Bennacer, 7 – Despite picking up a yellow card, he showed great tenacity and reading of the game to offer protection for the defence. However, it was his influence on the ball which stood out as he grew in confidence in the second half and started showing off his passing range, bursting runs forward and always finds a way to twist and turn or play a quick pass to get out of trouble.
Hakan Calhanoglu, 6 – Faded as the game went on, but played an important role next to Bennacer to get us moving up the pitch quickly while finding others in space between the lines. Still needs to step his game up a level though as he doesn’t add that decisive presence in the final third.
Suso, 5 – Did nothing to help Calabria cope with Torino’s threat down the left flank as he often wasn’t even in the picture when Aina pushed forward. Slowed down our play in attack and offered nothing until a good delivery in injury time which Piatek should have scored from. Nowhere near enough.
Leao, 6 – Won the penalty and caused problems with his pace and movement while pulling off to the left flank. Unfortunate not to score as he forced a great save out of Salvatore Sirigu, and while he did tire and grew frustrated as the game went on, it was a promising display as he is making a big case to stay in the side.
Piatek, 5.5 – World-class penalty to break the deadlock and grab his second goal of the season, but missed two brilliant chances to kill the game off. Important thing for him is that he’s getting in the right areas and is now starting to look like a threat again, but he needs to rediscover his goalscoring touch in open play.
Substitutes:
Giacomo Bonaventura, 5.5 – Feels good to be assessing his performance again, and while he did show rustiness and wasn’t hugely effective, played a brilliant pass which Kessie should have scored from. Positive signs he’s getting minutes and his confidence back.
Ante Rebic, N/A – Needs to be given more time on the pitch to make his mark as he struggles to get up to the pace of the game in the closing stages and didn’t make much of an impact late on.