Milan suffered a thumping 3-0 defeat to fierce rivals Inter in Wednesday’s Supercoppa Italiana showpiece in Saudi Arabia. The reigning Serie A champions delivered a humiliating performance in their first Super Cup appearance since 2011.
Following an underwhelming 2-2 league draw at Lecce last weekend, Milan found themselves in a similar position this evening. Federico Dimarco and Edin Dzeko scored within 21 minutes to hand Inter a massive 2-0 lead at halftime. Despite facing an identical situation at Via del Mare a few days ago, hauling back against Inter proved much more challenging.
Instead of closing the gap in the second half, Milan went further behind when Lautaro Martinez found the net in the 77th minute. Milan never gained a foothold in a one-sided Derby della Madonnina, failing to produce a single meaningful attack tonight.
Stefano Pioli’s men have experienced a disastrous start to the new calendar year and have to regroup soon if they’re to stay relevant in the Serie A top-four race.
Milan (4-2-3-1)
Ciprian Tatarusanu – 2/10
Match after match, the Romanian goalkeeper continues to be one of the weakest links in Pioli’s team. Milan doctors must help Mike Maignan recover in a hurry.
Theo Hernandez – 5/10
Grew into the match as he was given more license to drift down the flank in the second half but couldn’t be proud of his tonight’s display.
Fikayo Tomori – 4/10
Had some shaky moments but was hardly a liability for the reigning Serie A champions. However, not one of his most assured performances this season.
Simon Kjaer – 4/10
Looked a bit rusty early on but grew into the contest as the match progressed. However, a lengthy spell on the sidelines seemingly took its toll as the Danish center-back struggled to cope with Martinez’s pace.
Davide Calabria – 2/10
One of many Milan players who let this game pass them by without leaving a trace. Poor defending and clueless movements up top summarized a disastrous evening for the right-back.
Ismael Bennacer – 6/10
Made several decent interceptions to cut Inter’s counters and had a few eventful passes. Could’ve made better choices in several situations. Had much better nights, though.
Sandro Tonali – 5/10
Shadowed his adversaries off the ball on numerous occasions but was quick to shuttle it forward in transition. Won’t be happy with himself.
Rafael Leao – 3/10
Came off second-best more often than not in his battles against Matteo Darmian. Not as nearly as decisive as he was against Lecce and Salernitana earlier in 2023.
Brahim Diaz – 2/10
Milan cannot catch a break with their No10s’ since Clarence Seedorf’s departure. The Spaniard was once again too sloppy in possession and failed to pick out the right passes.
Junior Messias – 3/10
Slotted in for out-of-sorts Alexis Saelemaekers but was way too slow and uneventful on the right wing, allowing Dimarco to venture forward at will.
Olivier Giroud – 1/10
The Frenchman’s disappointing form in 2023 continues. It was like Milan played without an out-and-out striker the whole night. Another terrible night for the underperforming veteran.
Substitutes
Charles De Ketelaere – 2/10
Pierre Kalulu – 1/10
Divock Origi – 2/10
Ante Rebic – 4/10
Sergino Dest – 3/10
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