Milan wasted a huge opportunity to close the gap on the Serie A top two as they barely held Salernitana to a 2-2 draw at Stadio Arechi. Despite taking an early lead, Stefano Pioli’s side failed to live up to the billing on a chaotic Friday evening.
Fikayo Tomori fired Milan in front in the 17th minute, but Federico Fazio leveled the score on the stroke of halftime. Veteran ace Antonio Candreva completed the turnaround midway through the second half with his trademark long-range screamer.
Salernitana manager Filippo Inzaghi was minutes away from upsetting his former employers. However, second-half substitute Luka Jovic netted his third Serie A goal this season at the start of stoppage time to rescue a point for Milan.
Despite avoiding what would’ve been a disastrous defeat right at the death, it wasn’t the result Pioli was hoping for ahead of the kick-off. Regardless of other fixtures, Milan won’t drop out of the top four at the end of this round. It’s a small consolation for the Rossoneri fans.
Let’s look at our player ratings.
Milan (4-2-3-1)
Mike Maignan – 4.5
While the Frenchman made some unbelievable stops, especially in the first half, his poor reaction to Salernitana’s second goal overshadowed his decent performance.
Davide Calabria – 6.5
It was arguably the captain’s most impressive attacking showing this term, although he often lacked the end product. Benoit Costil pulled off a stunning diving save to thwart his injury-time header, denying him a chance to turn the game on its head.
Fikayo Tomori – 5.5
The ex-Chelsea man experienced another troubled game, performing well below his standard before picking up an injury, which led to Salernitana’s second.
Simon Kjaer – 6.5
Like in last weekend’s match against Monza, the Dane was Milan’s best defender, making numerous crucial interceptions while dominating their opponents in the air. Unfortunately, he had to stay in the dressing room at the break.
Theo Hernandez – 5.5
Given the benchmark he has set at San Siro, tonight wasn’t a good night for the offensive-minded left-back. In addition to struggling defensively against Candreva, his hallmark runs down the flank failed to make the difference.
Ismael Bennacer – 6.5
Back to the starting XI after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, the Algerian wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty and throw himself into challenges. However, a long-term injury left its mark on the Milan midfielder.
Tijjani Reijnders – 6.5
There’s no doubt he was the visitors’ most creative midfield player tonight. But despite enjoying more possession than any other Milan star, the Dutchman couldn’t find a defense-splitting pass.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 6
Deployed in a more advanced position once again, the Englishman showed glimpses of his brilliance but ultimately failed to make an impact.
Rafael Leao – 5
After a blistering start to the game, the quicksilver forward descended into chaos, losing the ball one too many times, not to mention his crosses were as imprecise as it gets.
Christian Pulisic – 5.5
Though he was slightly better than his teammate on the left, the United States skipper couldn’t provide a much-needed cutting-edge.
Olivier Giroud – 6.5
He spent most of the match fighting his own battles against Salernitana defenders, but he came up with a vital assist for Jovic when it mattered the most.
Substitutes
Jan-Carlo Simic – 6.5
Took Kjaer’s place at the beginning of the second half and performed reasonably well.
Samuel Chukwueze – 6
More eventful than Pulisic but still not deadly enough.
Alessandro Florenzi – 6.5
His introduction was a breath of fresh air.
Luka Jovic – 7
Unfazed by missing a glorious chance shortly after coming on, Pioli’s super-sub rescued Milan again.
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