Milan maintained their 100% Serie A record with a landslide 3-0 victory at the San Siro on Sunday afternoon. Fresh off a crucial 2-1 Champions League win at Newcastle United, Rossoneri put Raffaele Palladino’s side to the sword with a clinical performance.
Tijjani Reijnders’ second goal in Serie A gave Milan a perfect start, with the Dutchman breaking the deadlock after a blistering solo run only three minutes into the game. Prodigious defender Jan-Carlo Simic, who took Tommaso Pobega’s place in the 24th minute, scored on his Serie A debut to put clear daylight between the sides on the stroke of halftime.
Despite relinquishing their attacking ambition in the second half, Milan grabbed their third goal this afternoon as second-half substitute Noah Okafor finished a brilliant team play with a curling effort into the bottom corner. Rossoneri could’ve easily scored four or five, but profligacy in front of goal left Stefano Pioli fuming.
However, after Juventus’ draw at Genoa on Friday, Milan have reduced the gap to second place to five points as we look at our player ratings.
Milan (4-2-3-1)
Mike Maignan – 7
What a save to deny Andrea Colpani! Another spotless day for the Frenchman.
Theo Hernandez – 7
Too quick for his opponents, the versatile defender had a number of promising forward runs before shifting to the center of the Rossoneri defense midway through the second half.
Simon Kjaer – 7.5
Back from a long-term injury and straight into Pioli’s starting XI, the veteran defender demonstrated his class, making numerous crucial interceptions while showing calm and composure in possession.
Fikayo Tomori – 6.5
Had some insecure moments when asked to help build from the back but made up for it with a convincing defensive display.
Alessandro Florenzi – 7
Rolled back the years to remind Serie A of his days as a winger, breaking out of the shackles of a right-back to cause Monza’s defenders all sorts of problems. Di Gregorio’s outstanding diving save denied him his 2023/24 breakthrough.
Tommaso Pobega – N/A
Had an energetic start to the game but was forced off early with an injury.
Tijjani Reijnders – 7.5
Danced past four Monza defenders before putting the ball through the legs of Di Gregorio and was undoubtedly Milan’s best performer in the first half. Lucky to get away with a yellow for a reckless sliding tackle.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 6
Playing in a more advanced position was supposed to make the most out of his playmaking skills, yet it wasn’t the case today. Indecisiveness in front areas curtailed his effort to orchestrate Milan’s play.
Rafael Leao – 6.5
His lackadaisical attitude cast a shadow on an otherwise electrifying performance in his first Serie A start since early November. Served Simic on a plate after effortlessly turning around his marker.
Christian Pulisic – 6
Often overlooked on the right-hand side, the USMNT forward decided to take matters into his own hands as the game approached halftime, unleashing a devastating left-footed effort from the edge of the box, only to see it rattle off the crossbar.
Olivier Giroud – 6.5
Missed a decent half-chance inside the opening two minutes but enjoyed a decent game despite not having another opportunity to add to his eight-goal tally in Serie A.
Substitutes
Jan-Carlo Simic – 7.5
A dream debut for the up-and-coming defender! Scored a vital goal to put Milan 2-0 up and came close to doubling his tally. Equally impressive at the back.
Noah Okafor – 7
Off the bench and on the scoresheet!
Ismael Bennacer – 6.5
Davide Bartesaghi – 6
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