The second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final saw Siniša Mihajlović’s men show their mettle against an Alessandria side having a poor run of form.
Mihajlović has lamented on how Milan has failed to kill-off games when required but he got his wish as Jeremy Menez took no prisoners. The match ratings for the Rossoneri players on show can be seen below.
Line-up:
Abbiatti (6): He had a relatively quiet game but made saves when it mattered. It’ll be the ultimate parting gift for the loyal goalie to lift the Coppa Italia in his swan song game.
De Sciglio (7): His strong performance against Alessandria was encouraging as he hopes to join the list of rejuvenated players under Mihajlović.
Zapata (7): He’s been solid and this game was no different. Another good performance for the Colombian as he hopes to get a contract extension.
Romagnoli (7.5): Easily our most astute defender and came up with a goal and forced an Alessandria defender to score another in his return game after a bout with illness.
Antonelli (6.5): One of the most consistent performers, he had a typical day at the office.
Honda (7): The Japanese playmaker looks a player reborn. He started the match missing a sitter but followed up with a hawk eye assist to Menez for the opener. He had a solid game.
Kucka (7.5): Juraj Kucka embodies the grit spirit of the Mihajlović’s philosophy. He’s a machine of a man and didn’t have any reason to slow down. With only a first half display, he still outperformed most of the field.
Poli (6): As usual, he put up a Poli-esque performance. He did what was required of him and had no jaw dropping moment. A player that’s useful for complementing the depth of the team.
Bonaventura (6): He had a quiet night by his high standards but did what he needed to. Taken off before the hour mark to have him rest for the trip to Sassuolo.
Balotelli (5.5): He looked like a player still searching for his springboard. Calmly finished an 89th minute goal but still looked like a player lacking something extra.
Menez (8.5): Jeremy Menez is the player we need right now. He showed the diagonal run-ins and clinical across-the-face-of-the-goal finishing that usually draws defenders out of position.
Substitutes:
Mauri (6): The diminutive youngster, having made his entrance by the start of the second half, may have had a blooper with the air shot that got us worried if he sprained his ankle but he settled into game and showed why most Milan fans desire more playing for the youngster with a defense splitting pass to Balotelli for the fifth goal of the night.
Boateng (5.5): He had a decent showing. I personally believe the called-up Primavera players should have gotten the nod considering our comfort level in the game.
Bacca (5.5): Carlos Bacca had a late 14 minute cameo that saw him miss a chance he’d normally score with his eyes closed. Bacca’s razor-sharp finishing will be needed this weekend in the crucial clash with the neroverdi.
