These are the match ratings for the players based on tonight’s performance against Alessandria.
The starting XI:
3 – Abbiati: He has to be more cautious on the ball. The 38-year-old was rarely called upon to make a save.
2 – De Sciglio: Started off brightly by making a couple of good crosses at the start of the match. Then started to misplace pass after pass and many bad crosses. Struggling to get his head in the game needs to become more focused and alert.
4 – Zapata: He was barely called upon, as most defensive needs were dealt with by Romagnoli. When he was called upon did his job well and made very few mistakes.
6 – Romagnoli: Took control of the defence tonight and became his old self again after a couple of shaky performances.
7 – Antonelli: The best player on the pitch. He was constantly up and down the left flank working offensively and defensively. He was the one who won the penalty, too.
3 – Honda: The Japanese international had a poor start to the game and made on bad backpass to the keeper. Eventually started to grow into the game and created some good opportunities.
4 – Poli: Not the best of games from the midfielder. He showed plenty of energy and had a goal disallowed due to Niang standing offside.
5 – Mauri: Best midfielder on the pitch today. Mauri controlled the game and made some brilliant passes and off the ball runs. Showed a lot of confidence and great composure for someone so young.
3 – Boateng: Good energy throughout the match and played a lot of safe passes for the most of the match. Eventually became more adventurous and confident. Still needs match fitness.
2 – Balotelli: Match fitness was a big factor in his game and he looked dead on his feet at times. He did score the penalty and after that started to grow into the game and become more confident.
3 – Adriano: Constantly pressuring the opposition with a lot of off the ball running. Eventually became tired and faded out of the match.
The substitutes:
3 – Montolivo: Was fairly poor when he came on the pitch wasn’t the impact substitution Milan needed. Although he recovered a lot of balls and did some good defensive work.
3 – Niang: Didn’t have enough time to impose himself on the game. Got through on goal a couple of times but couldn’t take his chances.
N/A – Kucka: Came on in the last 6 minutes of the game so he didn’t have any time to make an impact.
