Milan Player Ratings: Milan 3-0 Lazio

In the middle of the week Milan had an absolutely terrible match against a potential relegation side in Spal. On Saturday they had a tough test against a Lazio side that is fighting for the league title. Manager Stefano Pioli surprised many with his lineup changes that included taking out Rebic and giving starts to Jack Bonaventura and Alexis Saelemaekers. Milan looked like a different team from the one that we saw in the middle of the week. Their passing was more crisp and they defended as a unit. Simon Kjaer returning was a big plus for Milan as he brings a calmness to the defence and a fluidity with ball movement. For much of the first half Milan took control of possession and created chances. Not surprisingly Hakan Calhanoglu took a shot from outside of the box, it deflected a Lazio defender and went top corner to give Milan a 1-0 lead. Milan’s confidence only went up from there as Alexis Saelemaekers tried to cross it into the box but Lazio defender Radu blocked it with his arm, Milan penalty. Zlatan stepped up and with a bit of luck the ball trickled into the net. Milan up 2-0 at half playing with uber confidence.

Any realistic Milan fan would have been a bit worried up 2-0 because of the match against Inter Milan earlier in the year. However, Milan continued their dominance in the second half against Lazio. Milan continuously attack and pressed Lazio giving them no time to breathe and create chances. Milan only scored one goal in the second half but they if they converted their chances they could have won the match by 4 or 5. Overall a great game for this Milan squad.

Now let’s rate the AC Milan player performance

STARTING LINE-UP

Gigio Donnarumma: Gigio had extremely little to do in this match. He was good with the ball at his feet and handled the Lazio pressure with ease. 7/10

Andrea Conti: An improvement for Conti, he wasn't outstanding but he was better than what he has showed in the past. He could have gotten an assist if it wasn't for a bad header by Jack. He did save a goal by playing a beautiful offside trap 7.5/10

Simon Kjaer: Kjaer comes back and the Milan defence is back to being a brick wall. He is such a big part of this Milan team. 8/10

Alessio Romagnoli: Romagnoli has been so great and his pairing with Kjaer has just made him even more rock solid. 8/10

Theo Hernandez: Theo had some great defensive plays and some great attacking runs, it seems he has returned to form. My only complaint is that he didn’t finish his chances. 7.5/10

Ismael Bennacer: Bennacer paired with Kessie has just been outstanding for Milan. Bennacer was constantly beating Lazio’s press with ease. 8/10

Franck Kessie: Kessie in the pivot has been so vital to Milan and it’s easy to tell. He has been so much more composed on the ball and such a disruptor in the middle of the pitch. Kessie has fully been unleashed. 8/10

Alexis Saelemaekers: Saelemaekers had some up and down moments. It was great that he won the penalty for Milan and made some god runs on the counter attack. Other times his touch with the ball isn't great and doesn't make amazing decision but all that can be worked on. 7/10

Hakan Calhanoglu: There was a bit of a rocky start for Hakan but after a few minutes he came into form. He scored a nice goal from outside of the box even if it was deflected. He was playing with confidence which is always great to see. 7.5/10

Jack Bonaventura: For me Jack was one of the few and maybe the only that was lacking in this match. Jack just isn't what he used to be. Although I do have to give him credit for the assist on the Rebic. 7/10

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: The confidence and attitude that Zlatan brings to this team is unmatched. When he is on the field the squad plays with a different attitude. 7.5/10

SUBSTITUTES

Lucas Paqueta: Paqueta continued his good form, i’m not sure why he didn't start but when he came on he performed. He brings skill and flair to a team that really doesn't have those qualities. 7.5/10

Ante Rebic: Rebic just keeps on scoring and he has been pretty clinical for Milan since the return. 7.5/10

Davide Calabria: Not too sure what happened to Calabria but his form has been poor for a long run now and this match was no different. 6/10

Lucas Biglia: N/A