AC Milan started the season in the best way possible as they beat Sampdoria by one goal to nil in a hard-fought game. Brahim Diaz was the big hero with the winner, but several players stood out tonight.
Starting XI
Maignan (7.5 – MOTM): It was a very good debut for the Frenchman as he not only made several good stops, but also showed his quality on the ball. He had several successful long balls, most notably the one before the goal, and this helped unlock the game.
Calabria (7): Very solid display from the captain of the night, assisting the goal and working hard on the right flank. He lost the ball on one occasion that could have been costly, but indeed very solid otherwise.
Kjaer (6.5): The Dane was commanding at the back, as usual, and his performance was good. He perhaps wasn’t as involved in the build-up, due to the nature of the game, but he managed his defensive duties well.
Tomori (7): The former Chelsea man certainly wasn’t afraid to press high this evening and given his pace, he can do that without putting Milan in too much danger. Very good once again and he also had some good long balls.
Hernandez (6): Not the best performance from the Frenchman, but he was almost always involved when Milan went forward and that helped. He made a huge error that almost cost the Rossoneri a goal, fortunately it didn’t.
Tonali (7): Bar a few misplaced passes, the midfielder was flawless this even as he not only used his physicality to win the ball many times, but also dared to stride forward with it. On top of that, he was important in the build-up.
Krunic (7): He certainly performed better than we expected in the deep-lying role and just like with Tonali, his physicality helped. He made several interceptions and blocks much to the satisfaction of the fans, and he was very positive overall.
Saelemaekers (6.5): The intentions are there and the Belgian also works tirelessly on the pitch, there’s no doubt about that. However, he sometimes faded out from the game and wasn’t involved as much as we would like to see.
Brahim Diaz (7): At times, he looks absolutely fantastic as he glides past the defenders. Other times, he fails to make the right decision and that is one thing he can work on. He did, however, get the crucial winner with a half-decent strike (let’s be honest) but he was at the right place.
Leao (7): Yes, you could argue that he should have been more ruthless in front of goal, but today’s performance was positive. He would’ve had a goal if it wasn’t for a stunning save from Audero and he was a constant threat to the defence. His pace and creativity really helped open up Sampdoria.
Giroud (6.5): It might seem like a harsh rating, but let’s keep in mind that 6.5 is actually good. The Frenchman didn’t have a whole lot to work with throughout the game but he did well when called upon. Came close several times to getting on the end of crosses sent into the box.
Substitutes
Bennacer (7): The first sequence he was involved in showed why he’s such an important player for Milan. While Tonali stayed back, he glued the ball to his feet and made his way forward, which is exactly what we want from him. Good display.
Rebic (6.5): There were good intentions but ultimately his impact wasn’t massive. Good energy in defence though and that is always appreciated.
Florenzi (N/A): Got to make his debut but he didn’t play enough to get his first Rossoneri rating.
Romagnoli: N/A
READ MORE – Sampdoria 0-1 AC Milan: Early strike from Brahim Diaz earns Rossoneri a first win
How awesome was Mike Maignan? He looked sharp. I’m not missing Dollarumma.
Leao was better, he tried.
Theo though, my God, most terrible performance from him in the Milan jersey.
Maignan is awesome!
He was so awesome, with his passing we have arguably improved that position. Calabria, Krunic & Tonali too? Agree with you on Theo.
The person giving out the rating for Theo is clearly blind. Anything over a 4 for him is a joke. He was criminally bad tonight.
Horrible. Nightmare stuff.
The game left an unpleasant aftertaste; feeling more like a loss. Dreadful performance after first 20 minutes; the team played like they’ve just gotten out of Serie B. Wouldn’t give anybody more than 6, except for Maignan.
Nonsense. Milan had a great first half. Samp is a good team and our defense held up very well, bar the disaster that was Theo.
Juventus couldn’t beat Udinese.
Agree.
Nah your worries are misplaced. Samp is a good team. They’re likely to compete for a Euro league spot. I thought it was a good performance. Krunic played well as did Diaz and Leao. Tonali was good in and out of possession, 3 out of 4 defenders came to play and THE MAGIC EAGLE! No bad for the first game of the year.
Take off your your pink glasses & remind me of one singe dangerous attack the team created in the second half?
Besides zero attacking contribution from Milan, Sampdoria had chances to easily score 2 and win the game due to mediocre display from all of the field players. Dreadful.
You mean Milan scored due to mediocre play of Sampdoria’s defense. Krunic could have scored the second and Leao and Giroud came close as well. It could definitely have been better but it was not as you say it either. Difficult game, good win.
Go back to your Inter blog sucker!
Put your suggestions up your ass!
Sorry mate it’s just your true colors (black and blue) we’re showing.
Well done guys. The win is the most important.
Remember we have to win even if we don’t play good that’s what’s going to come at the end. S
Win is all that matters..
If Krunic had scored I would give him an 8 for this display.
That was a tough game but you see the growth of alot of the younger players. Leao needs a bit more confidence but is improving. That attempt from the goal kick was awesome! He will get there eventually and I think this might be our year. Forza Milan
A win is a win
Not a terrible game by any means. We could have taken our chances better particularly on the counter. The defense needs to play tighter. For a first game it’s a good start.
Whoever gives these ratings is quite generous. A performance where nearly everyone is a 7 should result in a much better result than 1-0.
Not necessarily considering Samp played a good game. Samp is going to finish top 10 and I bet a sleeper for a Euro league spot. Theo’s rating was generous as on a different day that error would have been a goal. But on a different day Leao’s shot would have been a goal so a wash to me in terms of outcome.
I can’t believe we didn’t win 10-0. Pioli is trash and this team is going to get relegated.
Team played well, and for the 1st game, not bad at all. Sampdoria is not a bad team, they played really good, but we were better. Not Theo’s night but damn Mike Maignan is really a good one!
I am amazed by so many Inter Merda’s supporters commenting in this site LOL
Can’t wait for 2nd game with Florenzi, Bakayoko, Pellegri’s presence from the bench + another reliable backup no.10 to alternate Diaz that also can play on the wing
Captain armband in Calabria looks great btw, suits him, Mr Milano
Considering the fact that we were away at a difficult to beat SAMP team. We defended well and never conceded. The attack could have been better, Giroud was over crowded and had to feed off of crosses, Diaz has good movement and vision but he never made any crucial through passes, Alexis needs to cut in more when Calabria overlaps. but overall. 1-0 is good. I just feel that another winger, perhaps a skillful player like Mahrez or remember how MENEZ would take on players? we need somebody like that for the right hand side.
Messias could be that guy.