Milan fell to a 2-1 defeat to Genoa on Sunday and it’s fair to say that we struggled across the pitch in a bitterly disappointing loss.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s goal wasn’t enough to spark a comeback as the damage had been done in the first half due to some woeful defending and a misfiring attack.
SEE MORE: Five talking points as misfiring Milan suffer disappointing defeat to Genoa
Given the display and result, it’s difficult to pick too many positives out and that is certainly reflected in the player ratings below as many struggled to make a good impression.
Milan player ratings vs Genoa:
Asmir Begovic, 5.5 – Little he could do for the two goals as he was left exposed by his defence, and otherwise had little to do.
Andrea Conti, 4.5 – Looked vulnerable throughout with his poor positioning with Genoa enjoying success with the quick, long diagonal ball over to his flank. Must also shoulder some of the blame for not doing his job as the covering defender at the back post for the first goal.
Matteo Gabbia, 5.5 – Not a great afternoon for the backline as a whole, but the 20-year-old looked assured in possession and was resolute for the most part. However, his awareness and positioning needs to improve.
Alessio Romagnoli, 5.5 – Similarly to his defensive partner, he looked composed on the ball but there were issues defensively as we allowed Genoa to score with their two chances in the first half. Needed to be more of a physical presence and marshall the backline better.
Theo Hernandez, 4.5 – Not as effective going forward as he has been this season, and he was at fault for both goals as the two deliveries came from his flank. For the first, he was eased off the ball far too easily while he allowed too much time and space for the second cross.
Franck Kessie, 4.5 – Not physically imposing and influential enough in what was a key role in front of the defence as he floated in and out of the game. Also lost Francesco Cassata at the back post for Genoa’s second.
Ismael Bennacer, 5.5 – Perhaps could have done better to cut out the cross for Goran Pandev’s opener, but otherwise it was a solid performance from our midfield anchor. Provided protection in front of the defence and kept us moving quickly in building attacks and setting the tempo.
Samu Castillejo, 5 – Work-rate and effort was there as expected, but the quality was missing as he couldn’t offer a decisive presence on the right flank with his crosses or general threat in the final third.
Hakan Calhanoglu, 5 – Looked dangerous early on as he linked up well with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but his influence and threat waned as the game went on. Also spurned a great chance in the first half which could have been a decisive moment in the encounter.
Ante Rebic, 5 – Much like the other two creative sparks above, Rebic couldn’t get going either as he offered flashes, but nothing that saw him emerge as a real handful for the Genoa defence. It was an off day for our attack as a whole.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 5.5 – Gets marked up for his goal, and to his credit he did try to make something happen to give us a spark. However, he was off with his passing, didn’t offer anything off the ball in terms of closing down and tried speculative efforts which didn’t threaten. Missed a big chance in the first half too, but he remains a key figure who gives us a focal point up top. Needs to be more supportive to his teammates though despite the frustration.
Substitutes
Giacomo Bonaventura, 6 – Positive influence off the bench as he added a bit of composure and quality to provide support for Ibrahimovic.
Rafael Leao, 5 – Rather disappointingly, didn’t make the impact needed in terms of testing tired Genoa legs with his pace and direct running.
Davide Calabria, N/A