Milan Player Ratings vs Salernitana: Leao and Tonali Eke Out Win

Rafael Leao and Sandro Tonali each scored in Milan’s narrow 2-1 victory over Salernitana. While the Rossoneri dominated the first half, they took their foot off the gas peddle in the second, nearly allowing the hosts to salvage a point. Despite the near-collapse, Milan’s defense stepped up to allow just one shot on target, helping the club retain its second-place position.

Ciprian Tatarusanu – 7

Though not frequently tested by Salernitana, Taturansu’s quick and accurate distribution allowed Milan to break out of the hosts’ intense high block more than once.

Fikayo Tomori – 8

Tomori was at his absolute best on the backline. He won several important challenges, cutting out a majority of chances before Salernitana could generate a shot.

Pierre Kalulu – 6

Kalulu was less impressive than his partner, looking rusty at times. In the first half, he made a critical turnover deep in Milan’s defensive third, nearly gifting a goal to Krzysztof Piatek. However, after the shaky start, the centre-back settled down and improved his play.

Theo Hernandez – 7.5

Though he did not make many attacking ventures, Hernandez was dynamite in defense, winning several tackles while keeping Junior Sambia in check.

Davide Calabria – 8

In his return from injury, Calabria showed just how important he is to the Milan backline. Early in the first half, the captain made a crucial interception in the box and played at a high level until his removal in the 71st minute.

Sandro Tonali – 8

In an exceptional performance, Tonali picked up a goal and an assist as he led Milan to their first points of 2023. His pass to Leao was a perfectly weighted through-ball to open scoring, and he netted a straightforward chance from inside the box.

Ismael Bennacer – 7

The Algerian committed a number of uncharacteristic turnovers, but he was strong in defense, forcing the Salernitana offense to reroute through the wings.

Brahim Diaz – 5

The attacking midfielder registered an assist, but he played too slowly at times. Seconds after the second half began, Leao made a brilliant run into the box, but Diaz played the ball far too late, spoiling the chance. In the second half, his interference from an offside position disallowed a tap-in goal for Tomori.

Rafael Leao – 8.5

Leao absolutely dominated on the dribble against the once highly touted prospect in Matteo Lovato. He was involved throughout the match, scoring a simple opening goal after dribbling around Guillermo Ochoa. He also made several dangerous runs from the left wing, but his service from teammates was often lacking.

Alexis Saelemaekers – 5.5

After a quiet first half, the Belgian’s play improved in the second. He cut into the centre of the pitch with ease while playing with his trademark high work rate. However, he lost his man on the backline on Salernitana’s late consolation goal.

Olivier Giroud – 4.5

Despite a brilliant World Cup, the striker was unable to carry his form over to domestic play. Giroud put himself into prime positions in space, but he was unable to convert any of his five quality chances.

Substitutes

Charles De Ketelaere – 6

The young midfielder looked calm and collected on the ball in the midfield, but he wasted a seemingly straightforward breakaway chance that should have put the game away.

Matteo Gabbia – N/A

Sergino Dest – N/A

Aster Vranckx – N/A