Juventus knocked Milan down from a four-game winning streak in Serie A with a gutsy 1-0 victory at the San Siro. Stefano Pioli’s side also failed to protect their five-match unbeaten league run against Bianconeri, largely thanks to Malick Thiaw’s blunder.
Milan started the game on the front foot, dominating possession and creating several decent half-chances. Olivier Giroud came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock in the 15th minute, only for Wojciech Szczesny to make a splendid save to deny his close-range shot.
Thiaw’s expulsion for a poor challenge on Moise Kean late in the first half turned the game on its head. It took the wind out of Milan’s sails and gave Juventus enough breathing room to orchestrate a narrow victory. Former Milan star Manuel Locatelli stunned his former employers.
His long-range attempt deflected off Rade Krunic, giving third-choice goalkeeper Antonio Mirante no chance. With a man down, Milan failed to respond, squandering a chance to win seven consecutive home league games for the first time since 2013.
Let’s look at our player ratings.
Milan (4-3-3)
Antonio Mirante – 7.5
There’s hardly a more difficult way to introduce yourself to the fans, but the 40-year-old was calm and collected. Made several outstanding saves on his Milan debut.
Davide Calabria – 5.5
The Milan captain’s defensive reactions were spot on. But he was too sloppy in possession, making too many misplaced passes.
Malick Thiaw – 3.5
Despite enjoying a spotless first half, the highly-rated youngster undid his good deeds with a nightmarish challenge on Kean, leaving his teammates on the edge of despair.
Fikayo Tomori – 7
Shouldered most of the defensive burden by himself with another authoritarian performance. What a defender!
Alessandro Florenzi – 5.5
Deployed out of position, the ex-Roma captain showed no signs of frustration, continuously demanding the ball and trying to link up with Leao. Unfortunately, Timothy Weah’s pace proved too intense for the aging star.
Yunus Musah – 6
Another energetic showing from the United States international! He should be more courageous moving forward, but Pioli can be proud of his summer signing.
Yacine Adli – 6
Had an awful start to the game, giving the ball away way too easily. Grew into the contest as the match progressed to help Milan maintain a foothold in the middle of the part despite being a man down.
Tijjani Reijnders – 6.5
The Dutchman’s technical prowess continues to impress, even though he spent most of the game helping out his defenders. When in possession, he’s unquestionably the most skilled Milan midfielder.
Rafael Leao – 6.5
Undoubtedly Milan’s most threatening player tonight! Gatti and Bremer had a rough evening, trying to chase him down. Everything fell on his back after Thiaw’s expulsion, but a lack of support from his teammates often left him on his own.
Christian Pulisic – 5
Expectations are sky-high after the USMNT forward hit the ground running in Serie A, yet this wasn’t his night. Before Thiaw’s red card forced Pioli to replace him with Kalulu, he barely had any impact on the game.
Olivier Giroud – 6.5
Any other Serie A goalkeeper would’ve probably conceded, but Szczesny came up with a moment of brilliance to deny the veteran with a stunning save. Won numerous aerial duels against Bremer and was instrumental in the build-up.
Substitutes
Pierre Kalulu – 6.5
Back to action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, the youngster delivered an impressive performance since being forced into the fray late in the first half.
Luka Jovic – 4
Another useless display from the Serbian! It seems like Milan made a mistake onboarding him on the deadline day.
Rade Krunic – 5.5
Misplaced numerous simple passes and refused to take risks when Rossoneri desperately needed to move the ball high up the pitch.
Simon Kjaer – 6
Came on late and forged the wall in front of Mirante, winning several duels against Vlahovic and Federico Chiesa.
Luka Romero – 5
There was nothing the teenager could’ve done to make Juventus defenders sweat.
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