Serie A title hopefuls Mian avenged last season’s 4-2 away defeat to Monza with a hard-earned 1-0 victory at Stadio Brianteo on Saturday night. After a dismal 2-0 home loss to Napoli in midweek Serie A action, Paulo Fonseca’s side claimed an all-important triumph to temporarily close the gap on the table-topping Partenopei to eight points.
Milan looked up the creek without a paddle in the opening 25 minutes. Monza’s lack of composure in the final third and Mike Maignan’s brilliant save helped the Rossoneri weather the storm and gain a foothold in the match. However, it was far from ideal.
After dodging an early bullet, Milan grew into the contest and found a crucial deadlock-breaker through Tijjani Reijnders. The Dutch midfielder headed home a rebound inside the six-yard box to put the visitors in front on the stroke of halftime.
Milan dealt with Monza’s feeble attempts to restore parity in the second half to post their first league triumph outside Stadio San Siro this season. But Fonseca cannot be proud of his team’s performance at the Brianteo.
Without further ado, let’s look at our player ratings.
Milan (4-2-3-1)
Mike Maignan – 7
The Frenchman pulled off a phenomenal save to thwart Pedro Pereira’s free header from only a few yards out in the first half.
Filippo Terracciano – 6.5
Switch to the right flank after Theo Hernandez’s return from suspension, the Italian full-back delivered a decent defensive showing but struggled in attack.
Malick Thiaw – 6
He never stood a chance in aerial duels with Milan Djuric, losing virtually every one of these contested balls. Had several poor reads as well.
Strahinja Pavlovic – 6
Repeatedly humbled by Daniel Maldini in the first half, he often found a way to make up for his average defensive skills with unparalleled commitment and energy.
Theo Hernandez – 7
His pace and acceleration were the crucial components Milan lacked against Napoli. The French left-back nailed down the entire flank as his own.
Youssouf Fofana – 6
Terminally unable to impact proceedings in the front third, the ex-Monaco midfielder at least held up his end of the bargain defensively, making numerous vital interceptions.
Tijjani Reijnders – 7.5
Back from suspension and straight on the board with a routine close-range header, the Dutch star was the visitors’ most creative and dynamic player this evening.
Christian Pulisic – 6.5
Deployed in a playmaker’s role, the USMNT forward was supposed to be the beating heart of Fonseca’s frontline. However, far more comfortable on the wing, he struggled tonight.
Samuel Chukwueze – 5.5
To describe the Nigerian winger’s performance as disappointing would be an understatement. One loose touch after another and a lack of understanding with Morata made him an idle threat.
Noah Okafor – 5
It’s unfathomable how ineffective he is when he doesn’t come off the bench. Squandered a glorious first-team chance and often failed with poor choices.
Alvaro Morata – 6
Perhaps had he paid more attention to the play instead of engaging with the referees, Milan would’ve probably done more in Monza’s box.
Substitutes
Rafael Leao – 6,5
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 5.5
Davide Calabria – N/A
Yunus Musah – N/A
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