After a thrilling start that saw three goals in the first half hour, Stefano Pioli’s Milan beat Antonio Conte’s Inter in a closely contested affair which saw the Rossoneri finally ending the Nerazzurri’s dominance on the Derby della Madonnina, thanks to a brace by Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Here are the player ratings for Milan’s derby win over Inter.
Inter XI
Samir Handanovic – 7
Once again the Slovenian veteran proved to be arguably the best goalkeeper in the world in terms of saving penalty kicks. Unlucky that his penalty save went straight back to Ibrahimovic. Couldn’t do anything on the Swede’s second either.
Danilo D’Ambrosio – 5.5
The usually reliable Italy international wasn’t at his best this evening. Completely lost Leão on Milan’s second goal.
Stefan De Vrij – 6
The Dutchman was handed one of the evening’s toughest duties – marking Zlatan Ibrahimovic – as he dearly missed his usual partners Alessandro Bastoni and Milan Skriniar. Didn’t embarrass himself in the process, but the Milan striker still ended up scoring twice.
Aleksandar Kolarov – 5.5
Although Antonio Conte’s tactical choices are the main reason behind this poor performance, the former Roma defender didn’t help himself with his untimely tackle on Zlatan as he gave away a penalty kick. Redeemed himself by setting up Inter’s goal.
Ashraf Hakimi – 6.5
The Moroccan international started the match well with his vintage terrific runs from right, and had the best of Theo early on, but faded during the match. He wasted a golden opportunity to equalize in the second half.
Arturo Vidal – 6.5
The former Juventus man did his duty, as he offered his usual contributions in the midfield battle. Fought hard against the younger and more physical Kessié.
Marcelo Brozovic – 5.5
The Croatian international is still so far unable to reach his last season’s form. Failed to help Inter in imposing its authority on the match and was sacrificed early in the second half.
Nicolò Barella – 6
The man of the match from Italy’s draw with the Netherlands three days earlier, the young Inter midfielder ran all over the pitch but failed to provide a killer ball to the forwards.
Ivan Perisic – 6.5
The Croatian winger was an ever present threat for the Milan defenses, and provided a well-placed assist for Inter’s lone goal.
Romelu Lukaku – 7
The big Belgian could have come out with a hat-trick on another night. Created space for himself through sheer power and determination. Took his goal well, but was unlucky not to score on three different occasions, including twice in the dying minutes.
Lautaro Martinez – 6
The Argentine was far from his best during the evening. His first half header was saved by Kjaer and in the second half linked up with Lukaku for few dangerous chances, but eventually lacked his usual killer instinct.
Inter Substitutes
Christian Eriksen – 5.5
The Dane was introduced in the second half to provide some creativity for Inter’s midfield, but was shifted between several positions in another forgettable outing.
Alexis Sanchez – N/A
Milan XI
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 7
Couldn’t deny Lukaku’s goal, but was always alert and standing in the right position to make the routine saves.
Davide Calabria – 6
A quiet match for the Milan right-back who remained mostly in defense. Lost Perisic on Inter’s lone goal.
Simon Kjær – 7.5
The veteran Dane had an incredible battle with Lautaro all night long, and despite few nervous moments, came up on top after 90 minutes. Saved two Inter goal opportunities with vital interceptions with his head.
Alessio Romagnoli – 7
Had to deal with Lukaku’s power and pace all evening. Although the Belgian giant did have his moments, the Milan captain was able to limit his danger inside the penalty area.
Theo Hernandez – 6.5
The French Left-Back started slowly, but his influence on the match grew little by little. While he’s mostly known for his attacking threat, tried to help his teammates in stopping Lukaku, but unfortunately for him, couldn’t deny him a goal.
Franck Kessié – 7
Another generous display by the young Ivorian, who helped his side in maintaining possession for most of the first half. Looked a bit tired in the latter satges of the second half.
Ismael Bennacer – 7
The Algerian Regista put on a great shift in the midfield, linking up the defensive line with the midfield and kept things running well for his side.
Alexis Saelemaekers – 6
A hard working display from the young Belgian winger, but failed to add much flair for Milan in the final third and was eventually subbed off early in the second half.
Hakan Çalhanoğlu – 7.5
A great performance from the number 10 who’s finally beginning to master the trequartista role. Dropped back to support the midfield whenever needed, but also stayed close enough to Ibrahimovic as he provided the swede with a great thorough pass that earned Milan a penalty kick.
Rafael Leão – 7
The Portuguese youngster once again stacked his claim for a starting spot at Milan with another fruitful display that saw him provide a golden assist for Milan’s second goal with a brilliant run and cross from the left.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 8
The legendary striker was unsurprisingly the big man on the big occasion, as he ended his former club’s dominance on the derby with his brace. Despite being denied from the spot kick, his quick reaction allowed him the tap the ball in, before adding another goal three minutes later.
Milan Substitutes
Rade Krunic – 6
The Bosnian was the surprising introduction in the second half as Stefano Pioli tried to bolster his midfield. Didn’t perform badly, but wasted a good opportunity to seal the match for Milan.
Samuel Castillejo – 6
His speed and dribbles caused trouble for Inter defenders, but once again frustrated Ibrahimovic and the Milan fans with his lack of end product.
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