Player Ratings: AC Milan 1 - 1 Cagliari

Back from the international break, AC Milan’s game against Cagliari was like watching a car trying to get its engine started after a long winter in the garage. Milan sputtered their way, coming back from an early goal, to earn a solitary point away from home. Overall, it was a disappointing result and match for the Rossoneri. Let’s run down the performance:

Player Ratings:

Gianluigi Donnarumma – 6

Once again Donnarumma’s biggest issue is his passing. Kept trying to build up play from the back despite a high press from Cagliari which put unnecessary pressure on his CBs. However, he cannot be faulted for the goal and was hardly tested otherwise.

Davide Calabria – 5.5

Simply lacks the quality to be considered a serious threat both in defence and attack. The kid tires but he just can’t cut it for me.

Mateo Musacchio – 6

Along with his partner at the back, Romagnoli, the Argentine made all the wrong decisions at the start of the match by playing a high line. Eventually worked himself into the match and produced some timely interceptions but overall a game to forget for the defender.

Alessio Romagnoli – 4

An uncharacteristically nervous performance from Romagnoli that was defined by a shockingly bad opening 15 mins for the Milan captain. Was beaten for pace and allowed Pavoletti to take a shot at Milan’s goal which eventually rebounded for Joao Pedro to strike the ball home. Put undue pressure on the rest of the team and communication between himself and Musacchio was simply poor.

Ricardo Rodriguez – 5.5

Grew into the game and provided some decent crosses into the box throughout the second half. Ultimately, he looked lost at times and was ineffective too many times.

Franck Kessie – 7 (Man of the Match)

A fighting performance from the box to box midfielder. Snatched at some slack defending from Cagliari and provided the assist for Higauin’s goal.

Lucas Biglia – 6

Provided some measure of calmness and support to a very shaky defence and distributed the ball fairly well at times. However, Biglia’s lack of tempo and pace slowed the game down considerably, making Milan’s build up play appear extremely predictable.

Giacomo Bonaventura – 3 (Flop of the Match)

Had a nightmare of a match. Wasted two easy chances on goal and never looked comfortable on the ball. Substituted on the 65^th min for Bakayoko.

Hakan Calhanoglu – 3.5

An abject performance for the #10. Seemed stuck to the left side and did not link up well with Higuain whatsoever. Needs to get his act together because a hungry Castillejo is literally waiting on the wings to take his place.

Suso – 6

Although the winger did have the occasional shot on target and should have had his cross dispatched into the net by Bonaventura, Suso was guilty of trying too much at times and over-hitting most of his crosses. His selfishness was also unfortunately on display as well and his game was frustratingly pabulum.

Gonzalo Higuain – 7

Cut a frustrated figure, having to drop deep as service was non-existent for the striker. He was ruthless when given a sniff of a chance though, rounding the Caglirari keeper and slotting the ball home. Higuain deserves better.

Substitutes:

Tiémoué Bakayoko – 6

After an undisciplined opening game for the Frenchman this a step in the right direction. Stuck to his task and provided some measure of stability in the midfield when he came on for Bonaventura.

Samu Castillejo – 6.5

I really like this guy’s attitude. Looks lively and hungry whenever he’s on the field, injecting much needed pace in the latter periods of a match. Needs to read the game a bit better and build some chemistry with his fellow teammates.

Diego Laxalt – NA

Came on in the 85^th min for Rodriguez

Coach:

Gennaro Gattuso – 5.5

The chinks in the armour are very obvious now. Milan are a slow, predictable team that cannot effectively deal with strong pressing, especially if they keep playing at the back. Gattuso may want to experiment a bit in the future as this game was a slap in the face when compared to the previous Roma match.