On Sunday night, Calcio fanatics tuned it to watch two Serie A giants going head-to-head in a highly anticipated battle. Unlike their previous memorable battles, it turned out to be a largely disappointing encounter between Milan and Juventus. The Rossoneri had the biggest share of scoring opportunities, but Wojciech Szczesny comfortably dealt with their attempts. The match witnessed a relatively high number of fouls committed by the two sides who often opted to halt the opposition’s attacks in every way possible. So let’s take a look at the player ratings on an underwhelming night at the San Siro that saw Milan and Juventus failing to score a single goal in-between them.
Milan XI
Mike Maignan – 6
The former Lille shot-stopper was troubled early on by a direct corner kick from Juan Cuadrado. After clearing away the Colombian’s effort, the Bianconeri stars were never able to test him for the rest of the evening.
Davide Calabria – 7
Following an injury layoff, the Italian international’s full return coincident with a tough encounter, but he still managed to put on a strong showing. Won the ball against Dybala on several occasions, delivered some fine crosses to the box, and almost scored with two long-range efforts.
Pierre Kalulu – 6.5
The young Frenchman was perceived as the weakest link in defense (as he’s being deployed as center back despite originally being a right-back), but he still put on a solid display, frustrating Morata in the process.
Alessio Romagnoli – 6.5
The captain was yet another solid performer at the back for Stefano Pioli. Cuadrado gave him a scare early on, but dealt well with the Juventus attack for the rest of the match.
Theo Hernandez – 6.5
Perhaps it wasn’t a vintage performance from the former Real Madrid man, but he still managed to cut through the opposition’s lines and threaten Szczesny with his shots on goal. Limited Cuadrado’s danger as the match progressed.
Sandro Tonali – 6.5
The former Brescia golden boy was adamant on stopping Dybala even if he had to resort to occasional nasty maneuvers. Also did well in the battle for ball possession in the middle of the park, but his offensive impact was limited.
Rade Krunic – 6
Another hard-worker for Milan in midfield. The Bosnian has become an important tactical piece for Stefano Pioli. Started in the double-pivot before moving to a more advanced position following Diaz’ exit. But his performance lacked a marquee moment.
Junior Messias – 5
While the Diavolo’s left flank was vibrant all evening, the former Crotone man couldn’t create much on the right side. Received a yellow card following a dangerous challenge on Chiellini. Hooked off early in the second half and rightfully so.
Brahim Diaz – 5.5
The young Spaniard is currently finding some difficulties to stamp his mark on matches. Had a part in Leao’s dangerous chance in the first half, but we mostly bullied off the ball by Bentancur.
Rafael Leao – 6.5
A story of two halves for the talented Portuguese. He was simply unplayable during the first half, dribbling past opponents left and right while causing danger with his shooting. But was nowhere near as effective in the second period, as he slowly faded out of the match.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 6
Unfortunately for all of us, the Swedish legend can no longer remain healthy for long spells at the age of 40. His one-touch put Leao through on goal, but he had to leave the pitch early with yet another injury setback.
Milan Substitutes
Olivier Giroud – 6
A decent showing from the Frenchman who threatened with a towering header. But he mostly looked to set up chances for his teammates rather than going for goal himself.
Alexis Saelemaekers – 6
Not a bad display but often lacked the final touch.
Ismael Bennacer – 5.5
Didn’t add much for Milan following his introduction.
Ante Rebic – N/A
Alessandro Florenzi – N/A
1 – AC #Milan and #Juventus have drawn both meetings in a single #SerieA campaign for the first time since the 1991/92 campaign. Draw.#MilanJuve pic.twitter.com/teZ1H5IJiS
— OptaPaolo ? (@OptaPaolo) January 23, 2022
Juventus XI
Wojciech Szczesny – 6.5
The Pole made at least four decent saves for Juventus (against the likes of Leao, Theo and Gidoud) , but they were mostly half-chances from the Milan players.
Mattia De Sciglio – 5.5
An underwhelming showing from the Italian against his former club. Was repeatedly bypassed by Leao on the wing, especially during the first half, and didn’t have any contribution in the offensive phase.
Daniele Rugani – 7
Another defensive masterclass from the previous benchwarmer who is now becoming ever-present in Massimiliano Allegri’s lineup. Made countless clearances on the ground and in the air.
Giorgio Chiellini – 6.5
The captain was solid as ever. His meeting with Ibrahimovic was cut short, but he made up for it with a physical clash against Giroud where he mostly ended up on top.
Alex Sandro – 6
A solid if unspectacular display from the former Porto man. He tried to support the attack at times but finding Morata’s head amongst a sea of Milan defenders was always going to be a tough task. Held his own against Messias and Saelemaekers.
Rodrigo Bentancur – 6.5
A brave display from the Uruguayan who is slowly regaining his best form. While his technical touch let him down on some occasions, he made up for it by constantly winning the ball back for Juventus.
Manuel Locatelli – 6.5
A needless yellow card meant that Allegri had to sacrifice the services of the Euro 2020 winner in the middle of the second half, but his presence in midfield was essential for the Bianconeri. Perhaps he didn’t have the anticipated impact inside the Rossoneri’s final third, but he played an important part at the back, mostly covering for De Sciglio who was struggling against Leao.
Juan Cuadrado – 6
La Vespa was the author of the Old Lady’s most dangerous chances in the match. He almost scored from a corner kick yet again and his solo run caused a great danger for Maignan’s goal. However, his effect slowly faded and was hardly seen in the second period.
Paulo Dybala – 6
The Argentine displayed all the flicks and tricks in the world, but in the absence of capable partners upfront, there was little that he could do. At times, Milan had him pinned back or pushed towards the wings.
Weston McKennie – 5.5
The American worked hard all night long, but it was plainly obvious that he lacks the required talent and touch needed in order to excel on the wing. Wasted a header in the second half.
Alvaro Morata – 5
A poor display from the former Real Madrid striker who never looked like scoring. Moreover, his weak touch almost allowed Milan to score from a counter attack in the first half.
Juventus Substitutes
Arthur Melo – 6
Showed glimpses of talent, but surprisingly didn’t see much of the ball.
Federico Bernardeschi – 5
Failed to add a thing for Juventus following his introduction.
Moise Kean – 6
Proved to be an upgrade on Morata as he won some physical duels, but it never truly mattered since they took place in the middle of the pitch.
Dejan Kulusevski – N/A
Adrien Rabiot – N/A