Milan picked up all three points at Bologna on Sunday night as Stefano Pioli saw his side make it back-to-back wins as we start to show signs of building some momentum.
Goals from Krzysztof Piatek, Theo Hernandez and Giacomo Bonaventura secured the victory, although the game didn’t pass without some concerns as Milan made harder work of it than needed.
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Nevertheless, we eventually came out on top and while certain individuals put in a positive shift to help seal the win, others were less impressive and question marks will perhaps continue to be asked about their involvement in the starting line-up.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, 6 – Little he could have done for either goal, and although there was a sloppy start to the game with his distribution, he improved as it went on and dealt with any danger in the box.
Andrea Conti, 6 – Caught out defensively on occasion, but another all-round decent performance as he looks to now go from strength to strength and makes that right-back spot his own ahead of Davide Calabria.
Mateo Musacchio, 5.5 – Was troubled by the Bologna attack as he didn’t look settled and looked vulnerable at times. Having looked assured in recent weeks, it was one of his shakier displays as it will raise question marks over whether or not he’ll keep Mattia Caldara out of the side when he is ready to return.
Alessio Romagnoli, 7 – While his defensive partner struggled, the Milan captain put in a solid performance on the whole. Made key interventions late on as he denied Bologna a chance to grab an equaliser, and so played an important role at the back to secure the win.
Theo Hernandez, 6.5 – Another superbly taken goal as he showed composure and a clinical edge to find the back of the net. Was a nightmare for Bologna down our left flank with his pace and direct running, but also showed weaknesses defensively and was involved in both goals conceded.
Franck Kessie, 6 – Combative, worked hard and put in his usual shift in midfield. However, it’s a familiar story when it comes to his impact in the final third, especially in a game where we had a lot of possession. Often overran the ball too easily showing a poor touch and didn’t make the most of being in good positions going forward.
Ismael Bennacer, 7 – Showed maturity and poise to deal with his yellow card and continue to stamp his mark on the game in the heart of the midfield. Was scrappy out of possession to give us a solid platform and defensive coverage, and moved things quickly to get us going in attack.
Giacomo Bonaventura, 7 – Another stand-out moment as he produced a classy goal to make it two goals in three starts. Coupled with his intelligence and quality on and off the ball throughout the game, it’s a real boost to have him back playing regularly and we’re certainly benefitting from his presence.
Suso, 6.5 – Superb assist to carve open Bologna for Hernandez to score. Was tidy throughout and threatened at times, albeit he did fade in the latter stages and could perhaps have done more given we know the quality that he has.
Krzysztof Piatek, 7 – Won the penalty and converted it to break the deadlock, and he worked tirelessly up top to hold play up and bring others into the game. Needs to be more threatening in the final third now to really get back to being a decisive figure for us, but positive signs this weekend.
Hakan Calhanoglu, 5.5 – Worked hard and played a key role in terms of his pressing and work-rate off the ball, but wasn’t able to have a decisive impact on the game. After a great start when Pioli came in, he has regressed, and so it will be interesting to see if he keeps his place with Bonaventura in form and Lucas Paqueta on the bench.
Substitutes
Lucas Biglia, 6 – Came on in the latter stages to offer some experience and solidity in midfield and did his job with little fuss.
Lucas Paqueta, N/A –
Samu Castillejo, N/A –