It was an evening to forget for Milan as they lost 4-2 to Monza in an eventful evening at the U Power Stadium.
The Rossoneri came into this match as the in-form team in Serie A. They eased past Rennes 3-0 at San Siro in their Europa League tie on Thursday.
Milan started bright enough with a few efforts on the Monza goal. Monza goalkeeper Di Gregorio came off with a head injury which led to an additional 8 minutes in added time.
Monza broke the deadlock in the 45th minute after a clumsy Thiaw challenge was deemed a penalty from which Pessina scored. Things got worse for Milan after a deflected effort from Mota flew past the helpless Maignan in the Milan Goal.
At half-time Pioli brought on Leao, Reijnders and Pulisic. 5 minutes into the second half Luka Jovic was sent off after an off-the-ball incident. The reaction to this was to bring on Giroud.
The Frenchman quickly made an impact after latching on to a Christian Pulisic flicked header poking the ball into the Monza goal. With 3 minutes to go, Pulisic then cut in on his left foot guiding the ball into the net. The game was poised at 2-2.
In added time Bondo then struck a fierce shot into the top corner past the helpless Maignan. Monza then rounded the game off into the 95th when Milan loanee Lorenz Colombo scored Monza’s 4th of the evening.
Milan (4-2-3-1)
Mike Maignan – 5
Hard to say he could’ve done much better for any of Monza’s goals, nonetheless the keeper conceded four goals.
Alessandro Florenzi – 6
The experienced fullback struggled with Motta. Provided a high-quality cross which ultimately led to Milan’s first goal.
Matteo Gabbia – 5
Came into this game in a great run of form playing alongside Kjaer in the last few games. The better of the two centre-backs on the evening. Tired towards the end leading to a cynical booking..
Malick Thiaw – 4
Back in the squad from a period on the sidelines due to injury. A very rusty 1st half performance conceding the penalty from a clumsy challenge and misjudging the ball for Monza’s second goal. Not much better in the second half for the German defender.
Theo Hernandez – 6
The match-winner last weekend, the French fullback looked to push forward and make things happen on the left. Unable to link up with Leao when he came on in the second half.
Yacine Adli – 5
Kept the ball ticking in midfield but struggled to move the ball forward effectively. Substituted at half-time.
Ismael Bennacer – 5.5
Another second consecutive start in the league for the Algerian. Missed the loose ball which led to Monza’s second goal. Subbed early in the second half.
Samuel Chukwueze – 5
The winger returns to the squad after finishing as a runner-up at AFCON. Very minimal involvement going forward and substituted at halftime.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 6
In the best goalscoring form of his career netting 5 in his last 5. Asked to do a lot of work after Milan went down to 10 men. The Englishman provided a persistent Ariel threat throughout.
Noah Okafor – 5
Quiet performance on left and struggled to get involved in the game. Taken off after 45 minutes.
Luka Jovic – 4
The renowned super sub was handed a rare start. Struggled to get on the ball. Stupidly sent off for an off-the-ball incident early in the second half putting his team at a huge disadvantage.
Substitutes
Tijjani Reijnders – 6.5
Impressive performance coming on at half time he was always looking to drive Milan forward. Asked to do the running for two men at times.
Rafael Leao – 5
Came on as an impact sub at halftime. Had no impact on the game. Not enough running or tracking back especially in a team with 10 men for 40 minutes.
Christian Pulisic – 8
Fantastic performance after coming on as a substitute. He lit the game up stretching the Monza defence and was rewarded with both a goal and an assist.
Olivier Giroud – 7
Played as a lone forward in a team with 10 men. The French forward scored a poacher’s finish to get Milans first and was a threat until the very end.
Yunus Musah – 6.5
Came on with 10 minutes to go. Drove forward well with the ball and was committed to the cause.
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