With the new year and the return of Zlatan many Milan fans expected the team to come with some fire against Sampdoria. However, Milan fans got the same Milan they have been getting all year. For Milan the starting lineup was unchanged from what we have seen since Stefano Pioli took over and it led to many of the same results. Milan had a few chances to put the ball in the back of the net but as per usual lacked the finishing touch. On the other end they gave up chances and looked pretty shaky on the back end. Nonetheless the half ended tied at zero.
Full-time
— AC Milan (@acmilan) January 6, 2020
It ends in a nil-nil draw at San Siro / #MilanSampdoria finisce 0-0#SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/o6cn7PARKK
The second half started and it looked like there was no change in attitude for Milan. Pioli saw this and brought on new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Rafael Leao. Once they got on the match got much more exciting for both clubs. Chances started flying but tremendous efforts by both keepers kept the score even at zero. Milan failed to get the victory but this match showed that Zlatan and Leao need to be on the pitch because they make such a bid difference.
Now let us look at the AC Milan player ratings!
STARTING LINE-UP
Gigio Donnarumma: Time and time again Gigio saves Milan from a disastrous score line. This game was no different as he saved Milan from certain danger. 8/10
Davide Calabria: Milan’s right back position is still under question but Calabria had the opportunity to win the job. In my opinion he was average and maybe even below average on occasion. He gave Sampdoria a clear opportunity that led to a scoring chance. 5/10
Matteo Musacchio: Musacchio is not a convincing defender in my opinion as he makes me nervous on the back line. He along with everyone else on the right side need to step up their game or get out. 5.5/10
Crazy that we gifted them a goal and Gigio bailed us out. Pretty much sums up the last 5 years.
— The AC Milan Offside (@SBNRossonero) January 6, 2020
Alessio Romagnoli: Now when I say the defence looked shaky in this match that even includes Alessio Romagnoli. He and everyone else seemed out of position for the majority of the match. 5.5/10
Theo Hernandez: Theo continues to impress me with his offensive capacities and him on the left side with Leao could be a very big problem for many teams. Hernandez should however continue to improve defensively. 6/10
Jack Bonaventura: Now I’m one of the biggest Jack fans there is so this pains me a bit to say but he did not have a good match. Usually he shows flair and creativity but today we saw none of that. Hopefully this is a one off bad performance. 5.5/10
Ismael Bennacer: Ever since Bennacer has gotten in the starting 11 he hasn't looked back. Another good performance from him as he dictates the pace of play and disrupts the opposing teams attack. 6.5/10
Rade Krunic: Like Franck Kessie I am just not impressed by Rade Krunic. He like many others are just average and he was again average in this match. A good rotational player but not starting caliber. 5.5/10
Suso: Like I continue to say throughout these ratings all year, Suso is so predictable. His cut to the right and cross in with his left has been figured out and just simply doesn't work anymore. His predicability is something I don't want on this squad. 5/10
Krzysztof Piatek: New year and same Piatek. In complete honesty I didn't notice Piatek when he was on the pitch, that’s how bad he was. Piatek is already getting outplayed by a 38 year old. 5/10
Hakan Calhanoglu: There is something about Hakan and his play that I am just not convinced about. He will make one nice play but then mess up numerous times and that is not Milan caliber. Hakan has moments but those moments are rare. 5.5/10
Here's what Zlatan had to say on the #MilanSampdoria draw
— AC Milan (@acmilan) January 6, 2020
Watch more of his interview on our App: https://t.co/k2zluita95 #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/LBhYYjZTTu
SUBSTITUTES
Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Ok hear me out, Zlatan wasn't amazing but for a 38 year old he looked fine to me. His presence on the pitch is far better than what is brought by Piatek. 6/10
Rafael Leao: Leao gave it his all in this match and he was a difference maker. Sure, he didn't score but he created chances for Milan and his pace is a added offensive element that Milan are desperate for. 6/10
Lucas Paqueta: N/A