Milan Player Ratings vs Roma: Depleted Rossoneri Held Again

Roma held injury-hit Milan to a 1-1 draw in Sunday’s mouth-watering Serie A showdown at Stadio San Siro. Despite taking an early lead, the Rossoneri had to settle for another gut-wrenching point, losing further ground on the top-four pace.

Milan saw off Hellas Verona in the previous round but lost star winger Rafael Leao to injury. With numerous first-team stalwarts missing, Paulo Fonseca fielded an experimental line-up featuring Alex Jimenez on the left wing. However, the Rossoneri enjoyed a bright start to the game.

Tijjani Reijnders picked up where he left off at Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi. The in-form Dutch midfielder opened the scoring with a delightful finish after being picked out by Youssouf Fofana, who claimed the lion’s share for the goal.

Roma didn’t take long to respond. Artem Dovbyk laid the ball off for Paulo Dybala, whose thumping right-foot volley left Mike Maignan helpless on the goal line. Milan could’ve regained the lead twice before halftime, but Samuel Chukwueze’s final touch let him down on both occasions.

Fonseca’s expulsion toward the end of the first half added insult to injury. Chukwueze forced Mile Svilar to make a stunning diving save early in the second half but suffered a muscle injury shortly after. Milan lost a foothold in the final third after the Nigerian’s withdrawal.

Indeed, scoring chances were at a premium after the hour mark. Another underwhelming result could spell the end of Fonseca’s disastrous tenure at San Siro. But let’s look at our Milan ratings.

Milan (4-2-3-1)

Mike Maignan – 6.5

Dybala’s shot caught him on the wrong foot. However, he pulled off a superb save to thwart Stephan El Shaarawy late in the game.

Emerson Royal – 6

It was either backward or to Chukwueze. The Brazilian was clueless in possession again, though he did fare impressively in defense.

Matteo Gabbia – 6

Dovbyk outsmarted and outmuscled him for Roma’s equalizer. Other than that, he did well. Took one for the team late, picking up a booking for a cynical challenge on Eldor Shomurodov to stop the counter.

Malick Thiaw – 5.5

His recklessness knows no limit. Forced to commit countless tactical fouls to make up for poor awareness and anticipation and was lucky to avoid a first-half booking.

Theo Hernandez – 6

Except for a thunderous long-range strike early in the first half, the Frenchman didn’t provide much in the front third. However, he neutralized Alexis Saelemaekers.

Filippo Terracciano – 6

His defensive effort was commendable, but he barely had any impact on the opposition’s half. Understandably stayed in the locker room at halftime.

Youssouf Fofana – 7

It was all Fofana in Milan’s opening goal. After a coast-to-coast run, he served Reijnders on a platter. In addition, he pulled all the strings in the midfield, delivering arguably one of his best performances this season.

Tijjani Reijnders – 6.5

It was a top-class finish! His midfield presence was essential, though he frequently lacked support from his offensive teammates. 

Alejandro Jimenez – 5.5

Despite occasional glimpses of his talent, the young gun often failed to beat Saelemaekers one-on-one. Alvaro Morata’s wasteful finish denied him an assist.

Samuel Chukwueze – 6.5

The Nigerian was a constant threat on the right wing, but he often lacked composure in crucial moments, failing to provide the decisive pass.

Alvaro Morata – 4.5

Missing an early sitter knocked him off his perch. Numerous lost duels and squandered half-chances ensued in an overall disappointing match for the Spaniard. 

Substitutes

Ismael Bennacer – 6.5

Tammy Abraham – 5.5

Francesco Camarda – 4

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