Milan Player Ratings: Milan 2-1 Inter

AC Milan came into the derby della madonnina not having beat Inter Milan in years. However, Milan have started the season unbeaten in Serie A and Europa League. This match would be tough for Milan especially after the heartbreaking defeat in the same match just last season. Milan lined up in their familiar 4-2-3-1 with Leao starting in place of an injured Rebic and Alessio Romagnoli returning from his injury. From the start this match was wide open, back and fourth. Both teams had chances and possession but neither could capitalize for the first 12 minutes. In the 13th minute Ibra had the ball in the box but was taken down by Alexander Kolarov, penalty to Milan. Ibra stepped up to the spot and he tragically missed but smashed in the rebound. Just 3 minutes after that Milan had a beautiful transition play starting with Calabria defending then leading to a Leao cross to a wide open Ibra who put Milan up 2-0. Milan should be cautious of a 2-0 lead because against the same Inter team they were up 2-0 and later lost that match. In the 29th minute in started to feel like deja vu when Romalu Lukaku netted a tap in to bring Inter within one. At the half Milan maintained a 1 goal lead.

For much of the second half, the match remained open for both teams in which each club had their scoring chances. In the 62nd minute Stefano Pioli elected to sub in Rade Krunic for a more defensive team to secure the win. From that point on Inter went on the attack and constantly pressured Milan. Milan had a few chances here and there but not much of them were concrete. As inter continued to attack, Milan kept their defensive shape but you could feel an Inter goal coming. In the dying minutes Inter had a golden opportunity but Lukaku failed to capitalize. The derby was over and the city was painted red and black.

Davide Calabria: Calabria was great. In the past this would have been a match where he struggled but he locked down the right side. He pocketed Perisic numerous times and joined in well on the attack. 7/10

Simon Kjaer: To start the match Kjaer was getting turned on almost eveytime by Martinez. However as the match went on he became more solid helping Calabria lock down the right side. 7/10

Alessio Romagnoli: Romagnoli struggled a bit today but we have to give him a break since this was his first match back in months. At times Lukaku was bodying him with ease but again first match back so he gets a bit of a pass. 6/10

Theo Hernandez: I was not as pleased with Theo today. During the week he went on about stopping Hakimi but in the match he did the opposite of that. Defensively Theo was a mess and at times he just passed the ball straight to Inter players. 5.5/10

Franck Kessie: Frank Kessie is quickly becoming one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, call me crazy but he has been outstanding since the formation change. He wrestles everyone off the ball with ease and lays it all out on the field. 8/10

Ismael Bennacer: While not as good as Kessie was against Inter, Bennacer still put in a solid performance. He broke up plays in times of need. Plus him and Kessie dominated the Inter midfield. A truly dynamic duo in the middle of the pitch. 7/10

Alexis Saelemaekers: Saelemaekers had some nice plays with his feet against Inter, especially on Milan’s second goal. Saelemaekers continues to work hard on the pitch earning him a constant role in the squad. 6.5/10

Hakan Calhanoglu: When Milan were playing more attacking Hakan played fantastic and he really is showing that he is a creative force. His through balls are picture perfect. He didn't contribute on the scoresheet but his impact was felt. 7/10

Rafael Leao: Against Inter Leao had some moments of pure brilliance and that cross to Zlatan was so beautiful. Other times he is a bit careless with the ball at his feet and indecisive. 6.5/10

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: It is amazing what Zlatan can do. He played 95 minutes at 39 years old and not to mention that he just recovered from Covid-19. A true Milan legend. 8/10

SUBSTITUTES

Rade Krunic: Every time Krunic comes in we know that Milan will bury the hatch and go more defensive. Krunic always comes in and does his job but he did miss a golden opportunity to put the game away near the end of the match. 6/10

Samu Castillejo: Like Saelemaekers, Samu came on and ran. But offensively he didn't create much and at times his feet failed him. 6/10

Sandro Tonali: Watching Tonali come on against the team we stole him from was pure joy. He came on did his duties and secured the win. 6/10