Milan provided a perfect response to midweek Coppa Italia elimination, putting on a dominant performance in a 3-1 home win against Roma. Stefano Pioli’s side desperately needed three points to maintain faint hopes of closing the gap on Serie A leaders Inter.
Yacine Adli set the tone for a memorable evening. The French midfielder received the ball on the edge of the box and sold a dummy to Rasmus Kristensen before beating Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar with a delightful left-footed finish. Despite going 1-0 up after only 11 minutes, Milan continued to dominate the game in the first half but couldn’t double their lead.
However, it was only a matter of time before Pioli’s team would grab another. In the 56th minute, Roma’s backline capitulated again. Theo Hernandez whipped the ball into the box from the left flank toward Simon Kjaer. The Danish center-back headed it back for Olivier Giroud, who had no problem finding the net from a couple of yards out.
Complacency crept in and could’ve cost Milan dearly. A reckless challenge from Davide Calabria on Lorenzo Pellegrini sent Leandro Paredes to the spot. The Argentine was calm and composed to send Mike Maignan the wrong way and throw Roma a lifeline.
Roma’s comeback vanished into thin air in the 84th minute as Theo Hernandez’s rocket missile rattled off the post and into the back of the net, making it 3-1 for Milan. Without further ado, let’s look at our player ratings.
Milan 4-2-3-1
Mike Maignan – 7
Despite failing to keep a clean sheet for the second game in a row, the French shot-stopper delivered another reassuring performance, making several crucial stops to inspire Milan to a vital league win.
Davide Calabria – 6
In addition to giving away a cheap penalty that could’ve brought Roma back into this contest, the Rossoneri captain was well off his A-game tonight, especially in the opposition’s half.
Simon Kjaer – 7.5
When fully fit, the Dane is arguably Milan’s best defender, which was on display this evening. He didn’t put his foot wrong throughout the entire match.
Matteo Gabbia – 7
Pioli must be thrilled to see the San Siro academy graduate in this kind of form shortly after recalling him from an underwhelming loan spell at Villarreal. He was impressive!
Theo Hernandez – 7.5
If anyone doubted his ability to thrive in high-stakes fixtures, tonight’s showing played such skepticism down. Not only did he score a sensational goal, but he was impeccable on both ends of the pitch.
Yacine Adli – 7.5
Undoubtedly the youngster’s most eye-catching display in the Milan shirt as he made Rossoneri fans forget about Ismael Bennacer’s absence in a snap. Apart from the goal, he was everywhere, establishing himself as the beating heart of Pioli’s midfield.
Tijjani Reijnders – 7.5
Another flawless performance from the Dutchmnan, though Adli’s incredible showing cast a shadow on the ex-AZ Alkmaar’s effort. However, his calmness on the ball and creative thinking stood out against Roma’s defensive-minded set-up.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 7
His workload is admirable. Though he failed to impact proceedings like in some recent games, the Englishman’s intimidating presence kept Roma defenders on their heels all night.
Rafael Leao – 6
Maybe it’s time for Pioli to bench his superstar forward! His lackadaisical attitude is becoming a pattern.
Christian Pulisic – 6.5
It’s unfathomable how he failed to get on the scoresheet. It’s a shame, considering he pieced together another electrifying performance on the right wing.
Olivier Giroud – 7.5
The aging frontman rose to the occasion again! His 10th Serie A goal of 2023/24 came as a fitting reward for his remarkable commitment and individual brilliance.
Substitutes
Yunus Musah – 6
Noah Okafor – 6
Kevin Zeroli – N/A
Alejandro Jimenez – N/A
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