Winning its third straight of the season, Milan took down Lazio 2-0, with Rafael Leao and Zlatan Ibrahimovic both providing goals. The Rossoneri were by far the better side, turning in a spectacular defensive performance led by Fikayo Tomori and Davide Calabria. The hosts defended deep and conceded possession, unleashing deadly counter-attacks that overwhelmed Lazio’s flanks and defensive midfield. A missed penalty at the end of the first half seemingly gave the visitors life, but Milan went on to dominate the second half, proving to be legitimate Scudetto contenders.
AC Milan get a convincing W over Lazio in Zlatan’s return to the pitch ??⚫️ pic.twitter.com/Zgrh19j8cK
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) September 12, 2021
Milan
Mike Maignan – 7
Maignan has been fantastic filling Gianluigi Donnarumma’s role as Milan’s star goalkeeper. He made a great save on a header from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and was excellent late in the match as Lazio put more shots on target.
Davide Calabria – 7.5
Calabria had another great match, making several well-timed tackles while also contributing offensively. He was perhaps Milan’s best player in the second half and ensured that Pedro did not threaten on the wing.
Alessio Romagnoli – 7.5
After missing the first two matches, the captain returned with a quality performance. Romagnoli’s distribution was top notch, and he provided intelligent defensive positioning.
Fikayo Tomori – 8
Tomori had a nice game, winning several challenges and largely nullifying Ciro Immobile. He was comfortable distributing the ball and was the best Rossoneri defender of the day, working well Romagnoli and Franck Kessié.
Theo Hernandez – 6
Hernandez attacked often with his trademark pace down the left wing, but he was too selfish at times and was dispossessed more than once. His defensive presence continues to be an area of concern, but he did not make any critical mistakes.
Sandro Tonali – 7
With Kessié back in the lineup, Tonali played a more offensive box-to-box role. The 21-year-old displayed quality at times, but he also struggled with inaccurate long-range passes in the first half. He was much more involved against Lazio than in previous outings, providing one of his best performances with Milan.
Franck Kessié – 7
Playing in his first match of the season, Kessié was solid defensively and effectively protected the backline. He won a penalty late in the first half but failed to convert it.
Alessandro Florenzi – 5
Starting over Alexis Saelemaekers on the right wing, Florenzi was unremarkable. He did not push high up the pitch, often playing too deep and overlapping with Calabria.
Brahim Diaz – 6
The Real Madrid loanee was inconsistent, though he was at his best during counter attacks. He drifted too deep into the midfield at times, leaving a gap behind Milan’s forwards.
Rafael Leao – 8.5
The Portuguese winger was by far Milan’s most dangerous offensive player. He was dangerous and creative on the left side and scored a brilliant opening goal for the Rossoneri. Leao looked best when playing centrally, and his crossing needs significant improvement going forward.
Ante Rebic – 7.5
While he struggled with distribution and playing the number nine role, the Croatian picked up two assists and was fantastic on the counter-attack.
Substitutes
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 7.5
Zlatan finally returned to the pitch, replacing Leao with 30 minutes to go. The big Swede continued to defy his age and scored an easy tap-in minutes after coming on.
Alexis Saelemaekers – 6.5
The Belgian replaced Florenzi and played well, with one particularly nice pass to Rebic in the attacking third.
Tiémoué Bakayoko – 6
Bakayoko’s Milan debut was not ideal, as the midfielder left the match with an injury after just ten minutes.
Ismael Bennacer – N/A
Fodé-Ballo Touré – N/A
ANOTHER SEASON, ANOTHER ZLATAN GOAL ? pic.twitter.com/Pik0VafPk7
— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 12, 2021
Lazio
Pepe Reina – 5.5
Lazio’s goalkeeper was unimpressive, but Reina was largely not at fault for either of the goals. He did not manage a single save despite Milan taking 21 shots.
Adam Marusic – 4
Filling in for Manuel Lazzari at right-back, Marusic failed to contain Leao in the channel. The first half saw him exposed several times, and Lazio became much more dangerous after he was taken off.
Luiz Felipe Ramos – 5
After a good showing in the first half, Ramos’ form dropped significantly in the second. His positioning was especially atrocious in the build-up to Milan’s second goal.
Francesco Acerbi – 6.5
Like his partner, Acerbi played well in the first half, but he was unremarkable after the break. The Italian international made a few tackles and was largely not responsible for his side’s defensive struggles.
Elseid Hysaj – 5.5
Hysaj was quiet both offensively and defensively, being caught out of position multiple times when Milan counter-attacked. He did not have a particularly difficult time defending against Florenzi.
Lucas Leiva – 7.5
The Brazilian played well in Lazio’s defensive midfield, forcing Milan to play through the wings. He largely shut down Diaz and made a crucial tackle in the box in the first half.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic – 6.5
As always, the Serbian was a prolific distributor, but he was unable to break down Milan’s stout defense. Despite struggling to create any legitimate chances, he was Lazio’s most-involved offensive player.
Luis Alberto – 5
The Spaniard played much more defensively than he did against Spezia, even as his club needed a boost in the attacking midfield. His offensive involvement was minimal, and he lost possession multiple times. Alberto is one of Lazio’s most important players and must improve if Sarri wants to challenge for a Champions League position.
Pedro – 5
Pedro was unimpressive, failing to make dangerous runs or create chances. He was one of several Lazio forwards that were in poor form.
Felipe Anderson – 5
Although he began the match well, Anderson was largely ineffective on the left-wing against Calabria. It was a disappointing match for the Brazilian after his fantastic showing against Spezia.
Ciro Immobile – 4.5
Returning from a mediocre stint with the Italian national team, Immobile had another poor match. He struggled to connect with the midfield and made a terrible challenge on Kessié for the penalty.
Substitutes
Manuel Lazzari – 6.5
Lazzari provided needed pace and attacking prowess on the right-wing, but he came on too late to impact the result.
Mattia Zaccagni – 5.5
Zaccagni was brought on to reinvigorate the Biancocelesti attack, but he had both of his shots blocked in his season debut.