In an entertaining match at the San Siro, Milan’s backup brigade beat Roma 3-1. Mike Maignan starred in goal for the Rossoneri, making several incredible saves to earn his side the win. A solid defensive performance complimented the goalkeeper, as Pierre Kalulu, Sandro Tonali and Theo Hernandez were all in good form.
For Roma, individual mistakes ruled the day. Both of the first two goals conceded resulted from disastrous errors in the defensive third, while the starting eleven never found its rhythm on offense. The visitors seemed to be building in the closing moments of the match, but two late red cards left the Jose Mourinho’s side with just nine players.
Milan
Mike Maignan – 9
After another outstanding showing, Maignan continues to prove that he is the best goalkeeper in the league. He made several difficult saves against Roma, one being an incredible reaction to a deflected shot just yards away from the goal.
Pierre Kalulu – 8
Starting at centre-back, the Frenchman did his best Tomori impression, winning the ball and making intelligent plays across the pitch. He was undeterred by Tammy Abraham’s imposing presence on the backline, stifling the Roma forward for much of the match.
Matteo Gabbia – 6
In his first start since November, Gabbia had an up-and-down match. The defender did not make any significant errors, but Nicolo Zaniolo was able to beat him on the dribble more than once.
Alessandro Florenzi – 6
The outside back took two ridiculously far-out shots early, and he largely failed to impact the offense positively from the full-back position. However, he did look dangerous from free kicks and made key defensive plays.
Theo Hernandez – 7
The captain of his inexperienced side, Hernandez was another Milan defender who turned in a quality performance. He played more conservatively than usual on the left wing and registered three shots, though none were on target.
Sandro Tonali – 8
Week after week, Tonali turns in quality defensive performances. Against Roma, he took on Franck Kessie’s role and made tough challenges while keeping the Milan offensive machine running with his distribution.
Rade Krunic – 5
Krunic was not on the ball nearly enough from his central midfield role. Though his passing was decent, he conceded possession twice and negatively influenced the central midfield.
Brahim Diaz – 7
While he lacked time and space to show off his creativity in the midfield, Diaz was able to find several openings to take shots and spark chances. The midfielder nearly scored one of the goals of the year in the second half, but the crossbar denied his attempt.
Alexis Saelemaekers – 6
The Belgian winger had a decent match, looking confident when on the ball. However, he did not bring a dynamic presence to the left wing, and Pioli eventually replaced him with Rafael Leao.
Junior Messias – 8
Messias netted another goal while also showing off his creativity on the right wing. The Brazilian was in fine form, and he continues to make a case for more playing time.
Olivier Giroud – 7
Giroud scored a crucial penalty in the first half to put his side in the lead. The striker was quiet in terms of chances created, but he put in a solid stint and played well when holding up the ball with his back to goal.
Substitutes
Tiemoue Bakayoko – 6
Replacing Krunic in the midfield, Bakayoko looked decent in possession and had a good day off the bench.
Rafael Leao – 8
Leao completely changed the rhythm of Milan’s attack upon his introduction. He breathed life into the left wing and scored the game-clinching goal in a dramatic one-on-one with Rui Patricio.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – N/A
Andrea Conti – N/A
Daniele Maldini – N/A
Roma
Rui Patricio – 6.5
Patricio had an error-free day, making a couple of decent saves. The Roman goalkeeper had no chance to save any of the goals his side allowed.
Chris Smalling – 6
Roma’s most consistent defender, Smalling took care of the ball and was strong in the air. His return has been a blessing for Mourinho’s backline.
Gianluca Mancini – 5
Mancini won multiple challenges on the backline, but his passing was poor and he made several questionable tackles. He sent off in added time after a particularly terrible slide tackle from behind that resulted in another penalty for Milan.
Roger Ibanez – 4
The defender committed an egregious turnover in the first half, allowing Milan a 2-0 lead when his weak back-pass in the defensive third was intercepted. He also made a few reckless challenges.
Jordan Veretout – 7
Veretout surprisingly started over Bryan Cristante in the defensive midfield, but the penalty specialist made the most of the occasion. He restricted Brahim Diaz’s space between the lines and helped disrupt the flow of Milan’s time on the ball.
Matias Vina – 5
Playing high on the left wing, Vina struggled to create many chances for his side. Despite Lorenzo Pellegrini’s creativity in the midfield, the wing-back looked lost at times.
Rick Karsdorp – 4
Just as his day seemed to be improving, Karsdorp committed a terrible challenge from behind on Hernandez and was sent off with a second yellow card. His poor judgement, and overall poor play, destroyed Roma’s chances of making a comeback.
Lorenzo Pellegrini – 7
Pellegrini was Roma’s best attacking threat for a majority of the match. He frequently provided options and made off the ball movement that helped facilitate the Giallorossi offense.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 6
Playing more centrally than usual, Mkhitaryan had a quieter match. He looked to pull the strings of the attack from central, letting Pellegrini and Zaniolo create chances out wide.
Nicolo Zaniolo – 6
Zaniolo, playing again at the forward position, had a solid first half. He was able to beat his markers with his pace and create open space in the attacking third. However, the second half was a different story, and he was unable to repeat his form from the first 45 minutes.
Tammy Abraham – 6.5
The striker gave away a poor penalty early in the match, allowing the Rossoneri to take an early lead. Abraham also struggled against Kalulu on the backline, but he did score a beautiful back-heel goal.