AC Milan failed to clinch all three points against Napoli this evening despite heading into the half-time break with a two-goal lead. Olivier Giroud was crucial with a brace and below are the player ratings for the Rossoneri.
Starting XI
Maignan (5.5): He can’t do much on the first goal, in fairness, as it was a thumping effort from Politano. But questions must be asked on the second. Not because he necessarily should have saved it, but because the extra wall he placed completely blocked his vision (and wasn’t positioned well enough to block Raspadori’s effort). On top of that, the Frenchman had a few shaky moments.
Calabria (7.5): The best Milan defender on the pitch today without a doubt, as Kvaratskhelia only managed to get past on a couple of times (at the end when the game was stretched). The captain was also very good moving forward, getting the assist for the second goal and combining well with his teammates. In addition to his Kvara duties, he looked really good in defence.
Kalulu (N/A): He got injured early on and was forced to leave the game. His injury struggles are becoming a problem for Milan.
Tomori (6): Nothing spectacular from the Englishman today even if he did have a couple of good interceptions. He was a bit sloppy in the passing towards the end, but all in all he did a decent job at the back.
Hernandez (6.5): Much better from him tonight, at least getting forward on more than one occasion and creating chances that way. He may have faded a bit as the game went on but should have had an assist for a lovely pass to Reijnders in the first half (could have been 3-0 then).
Musah (7.5): He was everywhere tonight and ensured that Milan won that midfield battle, especially in the first half. It’s a shame that other mistakes led to two conceded goals, because the American along with a few others really made life difficult for Napoli.
Krunic (6): An okay display from him in both phases but nothing more than that. Certainly better than the disaster against PSG.
Reijnders (5.5): He looked very promising in some situations but, once again, he failed to find the back of the net. There was one counter he completely squandered with an effort, when he should have passed, and then he missed a sitter when Theo picked him out in the box.
Pulisic (7): The winger did absolutely everything right in the first half and that assist for Giroud was fantastic. He was subbed off at half-time due to a minor knock, though, and we didn’t get to see more of him.
Giroud (7.5 – MOTM): Mr. Efficient tonight with two great goals, even if the first one perhaps was a bit lucky. He could have done better in a few duels in the second half, but taking him off was still a very strange decision.
Leao (5.5): Apart from maybe one or two moves that could have resulted in a goal, the winger failed to impress once again. There was one occasion in particular when he had Romero to the right but arrogantly decided to attempt a dink effort instead. He can do so much better still.
Substitutes
Pellegrino (5): Had a very shaky moment right off the bat and on the first goal, he made what can only be described as a rookie mistake. It gave Napoli the momentum to complete the comeback.
Romero (5.5): Committed the foul which resulted in the second goal and didn’t add much going forward either.
Jovic (5.5): Zero impact on the game, really, except for one situation where he flicked on the ball well.
Okafor (5.5): Another sub that didn’t have an impact on the game, unfortunately.
Florenzi (N/A): He didn’t play enough to get a rating.
