On Saturday, the San Siro played host for the biggest clash of Serie A Round 8, as Milan clashed heads with Juventus. The visitors started on a positive note, but ran out of steam after 15 minutes, leaving the initiative to Stefano Pioli’s men. Fikayo Tomori pounced on a goalmouth scramble to break the deadlock just before halftime, and Brahim Diaz consolidated the Rossoneri’s lead with a fabulous effort after the break. So let’s check out the player ratings for the major encounter between Milan and Juventus which ended 2-0 in favor of the hosts.
Milan (4-3-3)
Ciprian Tatarusanu – 6.5
The experienced Romanian did well in the absence of Maignan, even if the Juventus strikers only tested him with a few routine shots.
Pierre Kalulu – 7
Another impressive display from the young Frenchman who returned to his original right-back spot, but at the same time lending a big hand for the centre backs. Denied Kean with an astonishing block.
Matteo Gabbia – 7
The Milan youth product rarely features for Pioli’s side, but he surely made a strong claim for more playing time following this performance. Acted as a tower at the back against Juve’s half-hearted crosses and wasn’t afraid to challenge neither Vlahovic nor Milik for every ball.
Fikayo Tomori – 8.5
A super outing from the England international who led the backline with charisma and confidence, keeping the Old Lady’s strikers at bay throughout the match. Opened the scoring with a close-range rocket that left Szczesny with no chance at all.
Theo Hernandez – 7
On his return from injury, the former Real Madrid fullback put up an energetic display as ever. Won the controversial ball that led to to Tomori’s opener. Easily dealt with Cuadrado and McKennie.
Tommaso Pobega – 6
The Italy international was perhaps the weakest link in the middle of the park for Milan, but still played an important tactical role as he ran his socks off between the lines.
Ismael Bennacer – 7
The Algerian is slowly but surely transforming himself into a wonderful Regista. He shielded the backline, controlled the tempo and picked up his teammates while keeping it simple.
Sandro Tonali – 6.5
The former Brescia youngster had a tough duel against his compatriot Locatelli. While the latter had the upper hand early on, the Milan man emerged as the undisputed victor in the end.
Brahim Diaz – 8
The Spaniard had some difficulties early on, but once again marked his outing with a stunning goal against Juventus. Pounced on a loose ball and left and opposition in his wake.
Olivier Giroud – 6
The World Cup winner didn’t find much success against Bremer, but was happy to create spaces with those around him.
Rafael Leao – 7
Although he didn’t directly contribute in a goal, the Portuguese is arguably the most terrifying player to mark for Serie A defenders. Hit the post twice in the first half, and gave several scares for the Bianconeri.
Milan Substitutes
Rade Krunic – 6
The Bosnian linked up well with his teammates and helped the forwards in mounting the pressure over the Juventus defenders
Ante Rebic – 6
A decent outing from the versatile Croatian who kept the opposition defenders on their toes.
Charles De Ketelaere – 5.5
The young Belgian is still trying to find his feet at Milan, but the talent is surely there.
Aster Vranckx – N/A
Divock Origi – N/A
2 – AC Milan have won both against Juventus and Inter before their 10th Serie A match played in a season for the second time in their history, after 1970/71. Light.#SerieA #MilanJuve pic.twitter.com/icEM6SPEX9
— OptaPaolo ? (@OptaPaolo) October 8, 2022
Juventus (4-4-2)
Wojciech Szczesny – 6
The Polish goalkeeper made a late save on Kalulu to spare his side an embarrassing result. Could do nothing on Tomori’s opener, and while he put a hand to Diaz’s strike, the power behind it was just too much.
Danilo – 6
Although Leao was still able to enjoy his football, the Brazilian still managed to limit the Portuguese’s danger. Darted forward repeatedly, but his delivery lacked the technical touch.
Gleison Bremer – 6
A decent display from the former Torino man who had the better of Giroud. Tried to save the day ahead of Brahim’s goal, but couldn’t arrive in time.
Leonardo Bonucci – 5
A poor display from the captain who decided to stand his ground and allow Diaz to easily trespass him before doubling the Diavolo’s lead. A perplexing call from the experienced defender.
Alex Sandro – 5.5
The former Porto man didn’t disgrace himself, but he offered Juventus little to none when going forward.
Juan Cuadrado – 5
The Colombian wasted the Bianconeri’s first big chance of the match with a wide shot, and struggled in his battle against Theo Hernandez with the latter dispossessing him ahead of the opener – albeit it was arguably a foul.
Manuel Locatelli – 5.5
The former Milan man did well to shied the backline early on. Looked indecisive when storming into the box and was denied by Theo’s timely tackle. Faded as the match progressed
Adrien Rabiot – 5.5
Similarly to Locatelli, the Frenchman started well, picking up Milik with a lovely through ball, but then yielded the middle of the park in favor of the Rossoneri.
Filip Kostic – 5
The former Eintracht Frankfurt man was wasteful with the ball and struggled to get past Tomori.
Dusan Vlahovic – 4.5
The Serbian bomber submitted to the pressure of Gabbia and Tomori who drove him away from the box. Thus, he tried to help in the buildup, but instead gave the ball away cheaply, culminating in Milan’s second of the evening.
Arkadiusz Milik – 5.5
The Pole tested Tatarusanu with two shots on target, but neither was dangerous. Still looked sharper than his Juventus striking partner.
Juventus Substitutes
Weston McKennie – 5
The American’s introduction at halftime was a baffling decision from the Max Allegri who was supposedly looking for an equalizer. Couldn’t find a way past Theo and failed to stop Leao’s runs.
Leandro Paredes – 6
The Argentine’s performance wasn’t splendid by any means, but was arguably the best of a disappointing Juventus midfield bunch.
Fabio Miretti – 5.5
The teenager was wasteful in possession but his teammates rarely made themselves available for him.
Moise Kean – 5.5
The young Italian proved to be an upgrade on Vlahovic. At least he managed to test Tararusanu with a shot while linking up with Milik on one occasion.
Matias Soulè – N/A
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