Milan fell to a 1-0 defeat to Juventus on Sunday night, with a mixed bag in terms of individual performances for the Rossoneri.
Paulo Dybala’s goal secured all three points for the hosts, although Milan were certainly in the game for large periods but failed to take the opportunity to grab the game and secure the win.
SEE MORE: Five key talking points as positive Milan come up short at Juventus
In turn, it’s another setback for Stefano Pioli and the players, and while there were certainly positives to take from the encounter, it’s simply not enough as we continue to slip further adrift of the top four.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, 6 – Did well when called upon to deny Juventus, and ultimately could do little to stop the goal as his defence left him exposed as Dybala broke clear.
Andrea Conti, 7 – Has had his struggles this season as he continues to try and rediscover his form after an injury nightmare, and this was a really positive display to suggest he’s back on the right track. Defended well and was more efficient with his passing.
Leo Duarte, 6 – Kept it simple but was solid defensively for the most part and tidy with his passing. Time will tell if he’s doing enough to keep Mateo Musacchio out when he returns from injury, but a positive outing this time round.
Alessio Romagnoli, 5.5 – Was on course for another solid mark but unfortunately let Dybala through all too easily and it proved to be a costly misjudgement. A rare mistake from our captain, but one that unfortunately has to see his rating pulled right down given it led to the winning goal.
Theo Hernandez, 6 – Put in his usual shift down the left flank both defensively and going forward, and although he wasn’t as effective in the final third this weekend, it was another important display.
Lucas Paqueta, 6 – Perhaps lacking slightly in terms of his quality and decisiveness in the final third, but put in a real shift for the team with his physical and defensive work to give us a foothold in the game. If he can be more of a threat in front of goal, he could settle into a key role for us.
Ismael Bennacer, 7 – Although there were a couple of misplaced passes and another caution, the 21-year-old put in another top performance from his protection in front of the defence to his distribution. Crucial contribution in helping set the tempo to our play on and off the ball, and is becoming increasingly integral to the side.
Rade Krunic, 6 – Another decent outing as he looks to now solidify his position in the XI ahead of Franck Kessie, as he played his part in an impressive display from the midfield as a unit. Perhaps still needs to offer a little more going forward, but does a key job for the side.
Suso, 5.5 – Started brightly and deserved an assist for the delivery for Piatek, but faded thereafter and became increasingly anonymous. That was partly down to the fact that we attacked down the left more often than not, but needed the Spaniard to offer that bit of quality to unlock Juve’s defence.
Krzysztof Piatek, 5 – Lost the physical battle against the two Juventus centre-halves which was to be expected, but fluffed an early chance and couldn’t find the back of the net thereafter. Milan need to be better at finding him in more dangerous positions and Piatek needs to be better with his finishing, and perhaps then we’ll see our goalscoring troubles ease.
Hakan Calhanoglu, 6 – Still needs to be more decisive on a consistent basis but was a constant threat as the game went on with his efforts from distance and looked a likely source for a goal. No doubt there is improvement in his play under Pioli, but more will be needed from him.
Substitutes
Giacomo Bonaventura, 5 – Not a particularly positive outing as he struggled to get up to the speed of the game and was largely ineffective.
Rafael Leao, 6 – A better contribution this time round compared to his outing against Lazio, and with Calhanoglu suspended after the international break, he could be first in line to get the nod in his absence.
Ante Rebic, N/A – Not enough time on the pitch to make a difference but with Milan’s ongoing troubles in scoring goals, Pioli may consider giving him a bigger role after the break.