It’s difficult to pick out too many negatives after a night like Saturday for Milan as we secured an impressive 3-0 win over Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico.
As our battle for Europa League qualification continues, we earned a major boost for ourselves this weekend with an admittedly unexpected victory, even more so given how convincing it was.
READ MORE: Five key talking points as Milan secure brilliant 3-0 win vs Lazio for crucial three points
While Stefano Pioli deserves credit for the changes he made to the side and the way in which we played with those individuals in mind, there were a number of stand-out performances from individuals on the pitch too as detailed below.
Milan player ratings vs Lazio…
Gianluigi Donnarumma, 6 – Commanded his box as he came out and punched well on occasion, but again, it was a quiet night for him as his defence stood up and kept things tight.
Andrea Conti, 7 – A solid performance as he did well in his mini-battle with Jony, made some crucial interventions sweeping up at the back post and deserves a 10/10 for the timing and astuteness of his defending when catching Manuel Lazzari offside as Lazio broke on a dangerous counter.
Simon Kjaer, 7 – Brilliant from the experienced stalwart again as he showed leadership, physicality and good reading of the game to help shut Lazio out as he is really building a top partnership with our captain in the heart of the backline.
Alessio Romagnoli, 7 – Combined with Kjaer, they kept Joaquin Correa and Luis Alberto quiet and coupled with his distribution out from the back, the Milan captain put in another quality display.
Theo Hernandez, 7 – Will be kicking himself for missing that big chance to make it 4-0, but he is showing real improvement defensively, and we finally got that spark and explosiveness back in terms of his bursting runs forward as he produced a much-improved performance.
Franck Kessie, 7 – Another superb shift from the combative midfielder as he helped keep Sergej Milinkovic-Savic quiet and along with the centre-halves and his midfield partner, they are creating a solid core to the side which is limiting the ability of the opposition to cause problems through the middle.
Ismael Bennacer, 7 – Equally as influential as Kessie, as the pair are building a great partnership of their own in front of the defence. Interceptions, tackles, pressure, accurate passing. Bennacer showed it all in Rome this weekend.
Alexis Saelemaekers, 7 – Still perhaps a little too panicked in possession and so it will be good to see him grow in confidence and show more composure, but his tireless work ethic allowed him to fit in perfectly for the injured Samu Castillejo. Showed quality on the ball at times too, but his energy and desire is superb.
Giacomo Bonaventura, 7 – Much better display from the stalwart playing in behind a target man, as he played well throughout and then produced the assist for the third goal. It’s that kind of intelligence, vision and quality that Milan need to show when trying to break teams down.
Hakan Calhanoglu, 7 – Only lasted 37 minutes after picking up a calf injury, but he made his presence felt during his time on the pitch. Scored the opener, albeit with the help of a deflection, and continues to be a decisive and influential figure for Milan. Still improving and showed good quality.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 7 – Still not fully fit as evidenced by the fact that he was withdrawn at half-time, but he showed positive signs for 45 minutes. He’s not going to hound and press defenders and so Milan catered to that, but he certainly has his own strengths and that was shown with his ability to drop deep and link up play while he scored from the penalty spot too…only just. Also had a goal disallowed due to an offside call.
Substitutes:
Lucas Paqueta, 6.5 – Not quite as threatening as he was in midweek and an argument could be made that he should have started. Nevertheless, did well after coming on as he showed good work-rate and composure on the ball to help us maintain control of the encounter.
Ante Rebic, 7 – Arguably unfortunate to be benched, but showed his class once again in the second half as he grabbed another goal, showed class taking on players while pressing and applying pressure up top as he always does so effectively.
Rade Krunic, 6 – Should have had an assist but Hernandez fluffed that late chance. Offered fresh legs and energy in midfield in the latter stages.
Davide Calabria, N/A – Not a great cameo appearance as he looked troubled defensively.
Lucas Biglia, N/A