Milan moved back into second place with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday. The Rossoneri had many outstanding performances and easily created scoring chances, especially in second half. Matteo Gabbia and Sandro Tonali were particularly impressive for the visitors, combining to score a crucial opening goal just before halftime.
Ciprian Tatarusanu – 7.5
While Zagreb struggled to generate many chances, Tatarusanu was tested more than once, but he more than held his own. Filling the shoes of Mike Maignan is certainly a challenge, but the Romanian has been impressive so far.
Simon Kjaer – 7.5
After a subpar match against Monza, the Dane rebounded in style at the Stadion Maksimir. Early on, he blocked a key shot as Zagreb threatened to take a quick lead, and he defended well against the dangerous Mislav Orsic.
Matteo Gabbia – 8.5
After languishing on the bench for four seasons, Gabbia finally seems ready to take the next step in his young career. The defender used his height to his advantage, playing physically against Zagreb’s forwards, and he scored a crucial first-half goal to put Milan in front.
Theo Hernandez – 8
Though he still managed to find time on the ball in the attacking third, Theo had to play much deeper than usual, as Robert Ljubicic was in good form in the first half. However, the defender more than coped, winning three tackles while also helping the Milan offense forward.
Pierre Kalulu – 7
From his former position of full-back, Kalulu played well against Zagreb’s strong left wing. The defender was active and engaged and displayed impressive distribution and service when venturing further up the pitch.
Ismael Bennacer – 8
While he was quieter from open play, Bennacer did play a number of quality long-range passes. Bennacer and his partner both had outstanding days, distributing the ball exceptionally well from the double pivot.
Sandro Tonali – 8
Tonali pulled the strings for Milan, playing several dangerous through-balls into the attacking third. His distribution created a total of sevens shots, and he picked up an assist from a free kick on Gabbia’s goal.
Charles De Ketelaere – 4.5
It was another poor performance from the Belgian, who clearly lacks the creative ability of players like Brahim Diaz. After a quiet first half, he wasted a prime chance, shooting into a defender when he had two open teammates in the box. Stefano Pioli was apparently unimpressed and removed the midfielder immediately after the error.
Rafael Leao – 8
Leao had a frustrating first half, flashing his creativity but failing to convert against Zagreb’s unorganized backline. However, he came alive in the second half, dribbling through three defenders in a solo run reminiscent of Brahim’s goal against Monza.
Ante Rebic – 6.5
Throughout the match, Rebic was creative in the final third, but his final passes and shots were lacking. Slowly but surely, the Croatian is regaining his form, and he should get plenty more minutes in the future.
Olivier Giroud – 8
The forward had an outstanding game, putting six shots on target. While he was unable to convert from open play, Giroud scored a fine penalty to put his side up 4-0 in the second half.
Substitutes
Rade Krunic – 5.5
Rather than risk Brahim after his injury, Pioli replaced De Ketelaere with Krunic in the second half, but it was a quiet showing from the Bosnian.