Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Mike Maignan returned to action in Milan’s 2-0 win against Atalanta. The Rossoneri backline was in superb form, with Malick Thiaw and Fikayo Tomori dominating the visitors’ prolific strikers. While the defense played well, it was another story for the offense, which managed just three shots on target and required an own goal to to hold the lead for much of the match.
Mike Maignan – 7
After missing several months with a leg injury, Maignan finally reclaimed his spot in between the posts for Milan. The goalkeeper did not have to make a save, and he distributed the ball well.
Fikayo Tomori – 7.5
Facing an in-form Ademola Lookman, Tomori was at his best. He won several tackles and used his physicality to stunt Atalanta’s efforts to build in the attacking third.
Pierre Kalulu – 7
While the defender was not as active as his fellows, he connected well with Junior Messias in the channel.
Malick Thiaw – 8
Thiaw faced off with the equally young and talented Rasmus Hojlund, who played at striker alongside Lookman. The defender largely got the best of his opponent, pressing him aggressively when he held up the ball in Milan’s defensive third.
Theo Hernandez – 8
While Hernandez will not get credit for the goal, his superb strike from long range created Milan’s first goal. The defender took a wicked low shot from outside of the box, and it hit the post and rebounded off the back of Juan Musso for an own goal.
Junior Messias – 8
In a hybrid defensive winger/wing-back role, Messias looked comfortable when defending, but he wasted a point-blank chance to double Milan’s lead from ten yards out. However, he made up for the error with five remaining, chipping Musso on a breakaway chance.
Rade Krunic – 8
Alongside Sandro Tonali in the midfield, Krunic turned in another strong defensive performance. He won several interceptions in the midfield, and his intelligent positioning allowed Teun Koopmeiners little time or space on the ball.
Sandro Tonali – 7.5
Tonali was an active presence in the midfield, but his accuracy on long balls was unimpressive. More than once, he had a forward making a run on the back line, but his overhit through-ball wasted the chance. However, Tonali’s defensive presence was crucial for Milan, as he and Krunic formed a solid double pivot.
Brahim Diaz – 8
After a frustrating season for both Brahim and CDK, the Spaniard is finally finding his form. The number ten was electric in the midfield, creating several shot attempts with his technical footwork and distributing the ball well.
Rafael Leao – 6
Leao created several attacking moves throughout the match, but his shooting ability let him down enormously. The reigning MVP managed three seemingly unmissable chances, but miss he did.
Olivier Giroud – 6.5
Yet another Milan player whose finishing was lacking, Giroud struggled to finish in front of goal. However, the striker’s link-up play was delightful, and he showed encouraging chemistry with Brahim.
Zlatan returns to action for the first time in nine months ? pic.twitter.com/gpRak75Gvy
— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 26, 2023
Substitutes
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – N/A
After struggling with injuries for nearly a year, Zlatan finally retook the pitch for the Rossoneri. However, he played for just 15 minutes and had little time to leave his mark on the match.