Newly-promoted Parma stunned Serie A title hopefuls Milan 2-1 at Stadio Ennio Tardini on Saturday evening. It was another disastrous performance from the Rossoneri, who continue to stutter at the start of the new season.
After pulling off a miraculous comeback against Torino on the opening weekend, Milan seem to have failed to learn their lesson. Paulo Fonseca’s side slumped to another torrid start as Dennis Man put Parma in front only two minutes into the game.
Milan took a risky approach in the first half and could’ve considered themselves lucky for heading into the break only one goal down. The visitors enjoyed an electrifying start to the second half and got rewarded for their trouble in the 66th minute.
Rafael Leao served Christian Pulisic on a silver platter, and the United States captain tapped the ball into an empty net for a couple of yards out to level the score. However, 11 minutes later, Parma regained the lead through second-half substitute Matteo Cancellieri.
Though Milan had almost 20 minutes to fight back, the Rossoneri looked disjointed and out of steam, allowing Parma to walk away with a precious three points
Milan (4-2-3-1)
Mike Maignan – 6
Left at Parma forwards’ mercy in both goal situations, there was nothing he could’ve done to stop the home side from punishing Milan’s growing defensive woes.
Davide Calabria – 3.5
Completely outperformed by Dennis Man, the Milan captain struggled on both ends of the field, especially in the opening 45 minutes.
Fikayo Tomori – 6
Despite experiencing several shaky moments in the early exchanges, the Englishman grew into the contest, proving he’s the best Rossoneri defender.
Strahinja Pavlovic – 7
Regardless of a yellow card he picked up for a tactical foul, the summer addition can be proud of today’s performance. In addition to making numerous vital tackles, he came close to scoring twice.
Theo Hernandez – 6.5
Following an atypically quiet first half, one of Europe’s best left-backs showed flashes of brilliance in the second half, playing a pivotal role in Milan’s equalizer.
Tijjani Reijnders – 6.5
The Dutchman was the liveliest visiting player from the get-go and only failed to get on the scoresheet by miracle. After Zion Suzuki denied him with a top first-half save, he hit the crossbar early after the break.
Yunus Musah – 6
Another classic Musah showing! Energy and determination were there, yet the USMNT midfielder lacked composure in crucial moments, with his poor decision-making continuing to let him down.
Rafael Leao – 6.5
Even though he delivered a crucial assist for Pulisic’s equalizer, it wasn’t a game worthy of his high standard. Too many loose touches and imprecise crosses cast a shadow on the Portuguese winger’s display.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 4.5
Back to his favorite position, the ex-Chelsea star failed to impact the play, barely doing anything noteworthy in the front third despite Milan’s sustained pressure.
Christian Pulisic – 6
Except for the goal, it was a disappointing match for the versatile forward. Like Leao, he couldn’t pick out his teammates in the box and often struggled to beat his man in one-on-ones.
Noah Okafor – 4
There’s a feeling he can only perform off the bench. In his defense, Milan created only a handful of scoring opportunities.
Substitutes
Emerson Royal – 5
Youssouf Fofana – 6.5
Samuel Chukwueze – N/A
Luka Jovic – N/A
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Fonseca of old and he won’t last the season
Good luck Milan