Milan slumped to an embarrassing 1-0 home loss to Serie A strugglers Udinese on Saturday night, putting on another disastrous performance in front of the San Siro crowd. It was a horrible evening for the Rossoneri fans as injuries took their toll on Stefano Pioli’s tired squad.
Facing one of only two sides in Serie A yet to win a league game this season sounded like a prime opportunity for Milan to return to winning ways after three competitive matches without a victory. However, plagued by numerous injury setbacks, Pioli’s team suffered a lot this season.
Yacine Adli gave away an incredibly cheap penalty, with Roberto Pereyra hitting the net from the spot to condemn Milan to a third consecutive league game without a win.
Let’s look at our player ratings.
Milan (4-4-2)
Mike Maignan – 6.5
Despite being called into action only sporadically, proved his credentials with a stunning save to deny a close-range header.
Davide Calabria – 7
Following an impressive display against Napoli, the Milan captain delivered another stellar showing, especially in the front third. Forced Marco Silvestri to make a massive diving save to thwart his well-driven long-range effort.
Malick Thiaw – 6
Had some shaky moments again as his rough patch continued to torment the Pioli by the touchline. Almost gave the ball away to Isaac Success toward the end of the first half, which would’ve probably resulted in a goal.
Fikayo Tomori – 7
Unlike his center-back partner, the Englishman held up his end of the bargain with another eye-catching defensive performance. Plugged all the holes at the back and kept the ball moving from the back with precision and calmness.
Alessandro Florenzi – 6.5
Again deployed as a makeshift left-back, the ex-Roma man looked lively on the ball and even came close to breaking the deadlock in the first half with what would’ve been a memorable goal. Unfortunately lost his balance at the worst possible moment.
Rade Krunic – 6
Picked up an early booking for a reckless and unnecessary challenge and got away with a couple of over-zealous tackles, which would’ve resulted in expulsion. But his passing was clean and on point, helping Milan build from the back.
Tijjani Reijnders – 6
It’s about time for the Dutchman to consider passing the ball more quickly instead of trying to grab his first Milan goal. His desire to open his Serie A account blew up several decent half-chances for the home side.
Yunus Musah – 6
Made a decent mid-range attempt with his weaker left foot to force Silvestri into another diving save but couldn’t impact the game on the right-hand side.
Rafael Leao – 5.5
Had a lot of difficulties penetrating the left flank but produced several decent-looking crosses in the first half, though none found its target. Switched off again when Milan desperately needed him to provide a moment of magic.
Olivier Giroud – 6
It’s never easy to play as a striker without adequate service, but the veteran worked his socks off tonight to be as involved as possible and almost got rewarded for his effort. But Silvestri pulled off a spectacular save to deny his late header.
Luka Jovic – 5
Another useless performance from the Serbian! Relinquished possession one too many times while failing to get into promising positions in dangerous areas.
Substitutes
Noah Okafor – 5
Could’ve scored an equalizer in stoppages but took too much time to settle as the chance went begging.
Yacine Adli – 5
Took Krunic’s place at the start of the second half and did Udinese a huge favor by committing a silly penalty. Tried to redeem himself by constantly offering
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 4.5
It’s difficult to remember whether he had any meaningful touch with the ball since coming on.
Luka Romero – N/A
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