AC Milan were handed their first league defeat of the season this evening as Fiorentina put four goals past Tatarusani in goal. Mistakes cost the Rossoneri dearly and there is a lot to complain about.
Starting XI
Tatarusanu (4.5): The recent positive displays indicated that perhaps all he needed was playing time. Tonight, however, that was proven wrong with another Tatarusanu-esque howler, leading to a goal. Horrible.
Kalulu (6): He was decent on the right-hand side in both phases of the game. He was subbed off after 57 minutes, though, probably because Pioli wants him fit for the mid-week clash.
Kjaer (6): The Dane did well for the most part with Vlahovic and was responsible for many good long balls. It was a shame that the attackers often found themselves offside. Ibrahimovic’s golden opportunity was set up by the centre-back.
Gabbia (4.5): He struggled a lot this game and it became pretty clear that he hasn’t played much this season. On the first goal, he tried to shield the ball instead of just clearing it, then he was beaten too easily by Vlahovic on the third.
Hernandez (5): The Frenchman bagged one assist this evening but his performance was tainted by a horrible mistake at the back. He took the risky option (as we have seen far too many times) and ruined Milan’s chances of at least getting one point.
Tonali (6): He did well at the centre of the park this evening, often winning the ball and striding forward with it. Had a few attempts that put the goalkeeper into action, but it was nothing spectacular from him tonight.
Kessie (6): Many eyebrows were raised when he was named as the captain for this game but he actually did quite well on the pitch. He was one of the best for Milan, covering loads of ground.
Saelemaekers (5.5): He just didn’t have a huge impact on the game, that’s all. His crossing wasn’t spot on either, so it made sense to take him off in the second half even though his replacement didn’t do much better.
Diaz (5.5): Just like Saelemaekers, he didn’t have a huge impact on the game and struggled a bit against the Fiorentina defence. It didn’t seem to make a huge difference when Pioli took him off and put Giroud there instead.
Leao (6): One of the better Milan players for sure. He had a fair amount of chances in the first half and perhaps could’ve finished a bit better on at least one of them. In the second half, he helped create many chances with his great dribbling.
Ibrahimovic (6): His rating was saved by the two goals and the assist for the own-goal, that’s for sure. He was offside far too many times (we lost count) and he missed a clear-cut chance at 0-1, which would’ve changed the game completely.
Substitutes
Giroud (5.5): He won many duels but in the end, it didn’t really amount to anything. It was a tough game for him to come on and try to make a difference, to be fair.
Messias (5): He didn’t offer anything going forward and seemed more inclined to play the ball backwards. Not great, that’s for sure.
Florenzi (5.5): We didn’t see loads of him, as Milan attacked more down the left and he was forced to defend more. But when he was on the ball, he had the right intentions.
Bennacer (N/A): He didn’t play enough to get a rating.
Krunic (N/A): He didn’t play enough to get a rating.
READ MORE – Fiorentina 4-3 AC Milan: Rossoneri suffer first league defeat after dreadful defensive effort
Tatarusanu was in Tatarusaurus Rex mode tonight, Brahim so far away from the Brahim of the start of the season, Pioli gives Gabbia zero playing time throughout the season so Gabbia’s score is 90% on Pioli… regarding Theo, he’s made the same type of mistake so many times and yet continues to do so, at this point I don’t know if I can’t keep calling them mistakes anymore, it’s just bad playing from him. He’s very good in certain aspects of the game but truth be told he leaves a lot to be desired in other aspects.
Not sure why you guys rate Leao and Diaz half a point apart. Leao was insane, dancing his way around the opposition all night. If the rest of the attack offered more options he would’ve bagged an assist or two.
True! Leao was magic.
Yes, ‘magic’ is the word. He was Maradona-esque.
But many football commentators just look at the score line and talk accordingly.
I usually agree with the ratings, but this time it feels weird. To me, Leao was fantastic for most parts of the game, easily 7.5 or higher. Ibrahimovic, although offside a lot, still basically bagged 3, to give him a 6 when he was the sole and only threat all game seems weird, at least 6.5 or 7. And Brahim Diaz could easily get a 3, totally invisible. Saelemaekers as well, 4 at most. Kjaer should have gotten at least 7. Well. I simply didnt agree at all this time.
Agree with you Gunde.
Yes i thought the same as you ibra leao an kjaer deserved higher ratings forsure.. and a few other lower stats..
Ibra’s rating should be 9. He scored 2 goals and the third own goal was also almost scored by him.
I don’t get what Gabbia is doing at Milan for the last 3 seasons. He should’ve been loaned out.
Tall task to ask Gabbia who hasn’t played to step in an mark one of the most in form and best strikers in the world in Vlahovic. Strange decision by Pioli. Of Tomori and Romagnolli were injured or rested would have rather played Kalulu CB and Florencio RB… Pray we get a starting RW (Faivre) in January as Salesmakers and Messias are not the answer. Tata came back down to earth lol. Not surprised. The display of Vlahovic should show Maldini this is the player we desperately need at all cost. He’s well worth 60M and we should make his signing a priority.
Agree about Vlholovic. Worth the money and at that age you can get years out of him. His hold up skills are insane. Kjaer had to foul him to get the ball.
Tatarusanu deserved 2 points. He’s the most insecure goalkeeper I know. Absolutely terrible positioning and very bad technique.
Now we learn to appreciate players like Tomori who we usually take for granted.
Messias is scared. Pioli has made him understand that he cannot compare with his teammates. His confidence is gone because we always felt he wasn’t good or fit enough.
Theo Hernandez is overrated in my opinion.
ONE THING FOR SURE, VLAHOVIC IS THE MOST SUITABLE FOR MILAN , ALSO GETTING BELLOTI WITH HIS PACE WE CAN REDEFINE OUR ATTACK WITH LEAO ON LEFT, BELLOTI RIGHT AND VLAHOVIC IN THE MIDDLE THE FINAL PIECE WOULD BE A CAM BUT IMAGINE IF THIS HAPPENS.
After games like this, a lot is left to be desired. Is it not possible to play a back 3 and use Theo as LWB ? Cus him doing those stupid stuff right at the foot of the 18yrd box is madness. Selection is a big issue for Pioli at times
I just hope this isn’t the beginning of s series of losses and draws. Else no silverware this season. Inter, Juventus and Atalanta are catching up and hence we might begin the race to finishing top 4 like last season instead of gunning for the teophy. SMH
Also – can Maldini pls spend a few practice sessions with Theo and actually teach him how to fkn defend lol. After all these years he still hasn’t properly learned the art of defending. It is what hold him back from truly being world class.
@ Dave..it’s not possible to play a back 3 and make use of Theo as LWB..if we should do such mistake goals upon goals we shall concede..if we have to play a 3back with this current set of defenders it will be..,Tomori,kjaer,Romagnoli…cause Thoe will keep playing his rubbish at the back day in day out..
Leao is the Cristiano Ronaldo’s heir.
change my mind