Milan player ratings vs Parma: Kessie superb, but underwhelming trio poor in crucial win

Milan were able to come from behind to secure a 3-1 win over Parma on Wednesday as our brilliant run of form continues since the Serie A restart.

It looked as though we risked seeing our run get derailed by the visitors at San Siro in midweek though, as we trailed at half-time and were made to pay for not making the most of lengthy periods of domination.

READ MORE: Five key talking points as Milan battle back to secure vital win over Parma

Fortunately, we produced moments of real quality to turn things around in our favour and secure all three points, with Franck Kessie, Alessio Romagnoli and Hakan Calhanoglu scoring the goals to complete our comeback.

Milan player ratings vs Parma…

Gianluigi Donnarumma, 6.5 – Played well throughout, but his save on Roberto Inglese just moments before Hakan Calhanoglu killed the game to make it 3-1 was absolutely decisive. Continues to produce big saves like that and it’s proving to be crucial for us.

Andrea Conti, 5 .5 – Actually made a positive start to the encounter but things gradually went south as the first half wore on and was replaced at half-time. Slightly unfair too though as he was left without support and exposed down the right.

Simon Kjaer, 7 – Celebrated signing his permanent deal with a brilliant performance. Used his physicality and experience well and produced a crucial block on Dejan Kulusevski’s shot in the second half to help turn it onto the woodwork and deny Parma a way back into the game. Solid.

Alessio Romagnoli, 6.5 – Will be disappointed with giving Jasmin Kurtic space to hammer home Parma’s opener, and he has to get tighter in those situations again as Dries Mertens scored in similar fashion at the weekend. However, made up for it with a brilliant header to give us the lead and turn the game in our favour.

Theo Hernandez, 6.5 – Did really well in his duel with Kulusevski as his defensive work continues to improve, and while he had his moments going forward, wasn’t quite at his best from an attacking perspective. Nevertheless, played a key role in helping us get the win.

Franck Kessie, 8 – What more can be said of our midfield lynchpin at this point? The 23-year-old is showing real quality and maturity in both phases of the game. Physical and tenacious in his defensive work and showing composure in possession, his goal was utterly superb as his strike rocketed into the back of the net. Man of the Match.

Lucas Biglia, 5 – Lost his man in the box in the build-up to Parma’s goal and while he did look ok at times, failed to really impose himself on the game and dominate in midfield. A surprise inclusion in the starting XI, his lack of fitness and match time was evident and so it was a questionable decision from Stefano Pioli with Rade Krunic also available.

Rafael Leao, 5 – Had his big chance to make a statement in the starting line-up but failed to take it. Didn’t look much of a threat on the right wing and his lack of effort and energy off the ball continues to be a problem. Playing with Zlatan Ibrahimovic too, the pair don’t give us any pressing or pressure in the opponent’s half.

Giacomo Bonaventura, 6.5 – Did well overall as he showed some intelligent play at times, but he eventually made a bigger impression as he provided the assist for the third goal. Still showing his value as he edges closer to becoming a free agent this summer.

Hakan Calhanoglu, 7 – Assist and a goal, the Turkish international delivered in midweek and played a pivotal role in our win. Energetic and hard working throughout, he’s starting to find consistency in his play too which has eluded him for too long. Still areas to improve, but crucial nonetheless.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 6 – Gets marked up as he was a focal point for our attack and did offer some quality with his ability to bring others into play. However, was sloppy in possession on countless occasions and spurned some decent opportunities while getting frustrated with his teammates. Not quite the influence needed.

Substitutes

Davide Calabria, 6 – Surprisingly, did quite well in the second half as he provided some fresh legs on the right flank.

Ismael Bennacer, 6.5 – This game just highlighted how important he is for us. We raised our intensity and tempo as soon as he came on the pitch to replace Biglia, and his hugely positive influence on the side is so obvious.

Ante Rebic, 5.5 – Unfortunately was a little sloppy in some dangerous moments but he certainly added more bite to our attack and a clear threat. Will be disappointed he didn’t get on the scoresheet or do better in providing chances for his teammates.

Diego Laxalt, N/A

Rade Krunic, N/A