The stakes couldn’t have been any higher when Milan and Inter went head-to-head in the Derby della Madonnina. The Nerazzuri took the lead with an early Lautaro Martinez header and dominated most of the first half. The Rossoneri started the second half with an onslaught, but Antonio Conte’s men hanged on before adding two more goals through Lautaro and Lukaku. So here are our player ratings for another thrilling derby between Milan and Inter.
Milan XI
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 5.5
The Italian international failed to react on the first goal, as he didn’t intercept the cross, nor did he jump to save Lautaro’s header. Couldn’t do much on the second goal, and was beaten at the near post on the third.
Davide Calabria – 5.5
After a solid start of the season, the right back is once again showing signs of weakness at the back. He was one of the culprits on the opening goal, and his form didn’t really improve throughout the match.
Simon Kjaer – 5
The Danish international made a great interception seconds before Inter’s first goal, but he then allowed Martinez to head the ball comfortably. Torn apart by the Argentine striker in the earlier stages of the match. His performance picked up later on, but the damage had been already done.
Alessio Romagnoli – 4.5
The Milan captain is not the only man to be blamed for the defeat, but he did commit several mistakes that made life much easier for Inter. Clumsily lost in the ball at the end of the first half which could have resulted with another goal, and was hapless against Lukaku’s run on the third goal.
Theo Hernandez – 5.5
The young left back didn’t enjoy his best outing, but his strike was the Rossoneri’s best opportunity in the first half. Didn’t find enough space to pull out his usual dazzling runs.
Sandro Tonali – 5.5
It wasn’t a bad performance from the young Italian who was one of the few Milan players to try to come up with something during the first half. Nonetheless, his distribution lacked precision, as he failed to create the killer-pass.
Franck Kessié – 6
The former Atalanta man ran hard as usual, and tried to attack the spaces within the Nerazzurri backlines. The Ivorian seems to be dearly missing his midfield partner Ismael Bennacer.
Alexis Saelemaekers – 5
The Belgian winger is yet to find his old form ever since he returned from his latest injury. Failed to create opportunities from the right flank against Bastoni and Perisic.
Hakan Calhanoglu – 6
The former Bayer Leverkusen man had a slow start but his form picked up with the match. He was one of the players that lead the early Milan onslaught in the second half, but Inter made them pay for missing the target.
Ante Rebic – 5.5
The Croatian tried to threaten Handanovic on few occasions, but his afternoon was a generally quiet one. He was also guilty at times for failing to support his teammates when Hakimi charged from his flank.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 6
The Swedish legend failed to score his customary goal against his former side. He had one or two chances in the first, and he could barely believe how his header was saved by Handanovic early in the second half.
Milan Substitutes
Soualiho Meïté – 5.5
Replaced Tonali in the second half, but he barely added anything for his side in the middle of the park.
Rafael Leao – 5.5
Another substitute who didn’t add much to Stefano Pioli’s side.
Samu Castillejo – 6
Provided some flair on the right wing late in the match.
Inter XI
Samir Handanovic – 8
The Slovenian veteran enjoyed a relatively quiet first half, but he had to produce some extraordinary saves to protect his side’s lead early in the second half. The captain proved that he is still among the elite shot-stoppers in the world.
Milan Skriniar – 7.5
A majestic performance from the former Sampdoria man who wasn’t afraid to partake in the duels against Ibrahimovic. His ability to break through the high pressing deployed by Milan allowed Inter to produce some terrifying counter attacks.
Stefan De Vrij – 7
The Dutchman led the backline with another solid performance. Remained composed in the face of the opposition’s fury.
Alessandro Bastoni – 7.5
Another impressive performer at the back for the Beneamata. The young defender completely nullified Saelemaekers’ threat on the right flank, as he once again produced a strong performance during a big encounter
Achraf Hakimi – 7.5
The young Moroccan continues to cement himself as one of the best wingbacks in world football – if not the best. Started the attack that led for the opening goal, and had a vital part to play on the second.
Nicolò Barella – 7
A solid performance from the former Cagliari midfielder who ran his socks off for as long as he lasted on the field. Tried to add his name to the scoresheet, but he should be pleased with his performance overall.
Marcelo Brozovic – 7
The Croatian was the architect for his side throughout the match, as he distributed the ball from deep. He also contributed on the defensive phase with some vital interceptions.
Christian Eriksen – 7
The Dane finally started a big encounter for Antonio Conte’s side, and it wasn’t due to a lack of alternatives. Played a key pass to Perisic in the build-up for the second goal. The Nerazzurri fans were relieved to see him leave the pitch with a smile on his face.
Ivan Perisic – 7
The former Bayern Munich man has finally adapted to the wing-back role, as he produced a masterful performance from the left flank. Assisted Lautaro on the second goal and helped his teammates on the defensive phase.
Lautaro Martinez – 8
The Argentine striker showcased his deadly finishing with a well-taken brace. Tormented Kjaer in the first half and helped his team in the build-up play.
Romelu Lukaku – 8.5
The Man of the hour. The Belgian is unstoppable at the moment, as he created his side’s first goal with a sublime cross, before also playing a part in the second. Nonetheless, the Inter man made sure to score his customary goal against Milan with a terrifying run followed by a rocket directed towards Donnarumma’s bottom corner.
4 – Prior to Romelu Lukaku, the last Inter player to score in four consecutive Milan derbies in Serie A was Benito Lorenzi, in 1950. Poison.#MilanInter #DerbyMilano pic.twitter.com/mAE9AoTBFp
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) February 21, 2021
Inter Substitutes
Alexis Sanchez – N/A
Roberto Gagliardini – N/A
Matteo Darmian – N/A
Ashley Young – N/A
Arturo Vidal – N/A
