After 3 games with out a victory, Stefano Pioli was able to secure his second win as AC Milan boss with a 1-0 triumph at Parma.
Just as it looked like being two points dropped after a good performance, Theo Hernandez was the most alert to a rebound opportunity, slotting home after a Giacomo Bonaventura shot was parried to win the game in the 88th minute.
The win takes Milan into 11th spot, and here’s how the players got on at the Stadio Ennio Tardini…
Donnarumma (7): Donnarumma was not called into action much, but when he was he took care of business. Had a great save on an offside shot against Gervinho. Kept a well-deserved clean sheet.
Conti (7.5): His great form has continued this week with one of his best defensive games in a Milan shirt. Did a great job shutting down the Parma’s attack, especially late in the second half.
Musacchio (5): Not a very convincing game for the centre-back, but he played his part in a crucial clean sheet. Will need to do much better against the top teams.
Romagnoli (7): Typical game from the captain – he was able to keep the Parma attack at bay, while playing the ball forward effectively. Shut down the Parma attack on his own a few times in the second half. Much better judgement.
Hernandez (8 – MOTM): Has been playing great in his first season at Milan. He had a few good chances going forward in the first half, most notably when he and Piatek both missed. He was able to keep the Parma attack at bay with a solid overall defensive performance. Scored the go ahead goal in the 88th minute.
GOOOOAAAAALLLLL! THEO! pic.twitter.com/7hxgrlBVWC
— MilanGifs (@MilanGifs) December 1, 2019
Kessie (5): Kessie had a decent start to the game, playing some good balls, but as the game went on, we saw more and more of the player that we have seen this season. Was subbed off in the 71’ for Krunic.
Bennacer (6): Good first game back from suspension, did well holding the midfield together. He is infinitely better than Lucas Biglia in his role; more energetic, faster and even tidier on the ball. A warrior.
Calhanoglu (5): Lacklustre performance from the winger, he has not been playing his best football this season. He had a few good crosses in the first half, and a couple of long shots in the second, but we expect more from the Turkish international.
Bonaventura (6): Always looks bright on the ball and wants to create, but was left frustrated mostly today. Looked better as a winger against Napoli than in midfield.
Piatek (4): Has been off the boil since the beginning of the season, only finding the back of the net three times, and it shows in his confidence. Needs to start playing better or will find himself on the bench.
Suso (6.5): Had a good performance, was able to get fire some shots on goal, but was not able to break the deadlock. He is still the most dynamic attacker that we have going forward, and it has shown in recent weeks.
Substitutes
Leao (5): Didn’t get many chances, but you could see that he has the vision that Piatek was lacking and the movement too.
Krunic (6): Came on the second half and made an immediate difference in the midfield, looking confident on the ball and making surging runs. Should be playing from the starting whistle.
