AC Milan pulled a big win out of the bag on Sunday night at San Siro, beating Roma in what could be called a six-pointer.
The defensive records of both sides meant that one goal could win it, and that goal came from Strahinja Pavlovic. The centre-back went on a wild run forward to support a counter-attack, and was on the end of a brilliant assist from Rafael Leao.
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The second half was full of flashpoints and big opportunities spurned. Paulo Dybala had a huge chance to give Roma what might have been a valuable point, yet he failed to beat Mike Maignan from the penalty spot with 10 minutes remaining as Milan hung on for a 1-0 win.
AC Milan vs. Roma: Newspaper player ratings
This morning’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) has their ratings from the game, starting with the team’s overall performance and Massimiliano Allegri’s management, both of which earned a score of 7 out of 10.
The man of the match in their eyes was Maignan for his penalty heroics, getting an 8, while the man who gave the spot kick away – Youssouf Fofana – was the worst in a red and black shirt, getting a 5.
A score of 7.5 went to the match-winner Pavlovic, with Alexis Saelemaekers, Luka Modric and Rafael Leao receiving a 7. Praise went to Matteo Gabbia and Samuele Ricci (6.5).
Davide Bartesaghi got a passing grade of 6, with Koni De Winter and Christopher Nkunku joining Fofana as the only ones who scored below that mark, with both getting a 5.5.
🔢 The player ratings for #MilanRoma from @Gazzetta_it, @CorSport and @Tuttosport.
🤔 Do you agree? pic.twitter.com/0N8KoHbUjB
— SempreMilan (@SempreMilanCom) November 3, 2025
Corriere dello Sport gave Maignan the top mark, with an 8, while Pavlovic and Leao got half a point less. Ricci got a 7, De Winter and Saelemaekers a 6.5. Fofana and Nkunku (both 5s) were the only ones to get criticism.
Moving on to Tuttosport, they also gave Maignan an 8, Pavlovic a 7.5 and Leao the same. Gabbia (7), Saelemaekers, Modric and Ricci (all 6.5s) got praise. Fofana and Nkunku (5.5s) didn’t get a passing mark.
I have to agree that Maignan was probably man of the match. Leao did what he is supposed to do and Pavlovic was in the right place at the right time, but Leao created the goal. Maignan saved 3 points on his own as he had more good saves besides the penalty…
And I’ve read multiple times in comments how Cristante isn’t of Milan level. Well, he was great in this game, almost no wrong passes and harassed Modric the entire game. Milan could have had an entire bench of academy graduates or could have made much more money from those players, but there are a few clubs that manage young players worse than Milan. It was like this even before US owners came, Aubamaeyang was given for free after being the best in Primavera…I thought they’ll focus on not losing money like that and increasing revenue but nope…
Watch out, your words risk summoning Maldini’s Heir.
I thought De Winter really grew into the game and started performing better. I think he deserves a bit more. It was Fofana that was still making mistakes
Rabiot must now replace terrible Fofana because football is not all about physicality alone,he doesn’t have any technical ability at all,he cannot even score in an open net..
Bartesaghi gets a passing grade! No Italian bias here at all, right? He tried to give the game away about ten times in the first half. If Estupian had given that same performance he would get a 4 rating.
The TV commentators expected him to be pulled off at halftime. He gave away two goal scoring chances along with some bad passes. Italian players are graded on a curve.