Milan Player Ratings: Milan 2-0 Bologna

AC Milan had to wait the entire weekend but they finally got their season started Monday against Bologna. To start the match Milan looked a bit laid back as they let Bologna have possession of the ball and have some moments in the attacking third. As the match went on Milan started to settle in the game and we saw glimpses of the magic from last season. As Milan settled into the game their build up play became very good giving them chances to score. After a few good chances Milan finally were able to get their lead from a Zlatan header, not to mention a beautiful cross from Theo Hernandez. Milan seemed in control for much of the first half and after a scare from Bologna the half finished 1-0.

For much of the second half Milan dominated and dictated play. Bologna couldn't find the ball and when they did Milan pounced on them with pressure. Six minutes into the second half Bologna fouled Ismael Benaccer inside the box leading to a Milan penalty. Of course Zlatan stepped up and hit it perfectly into the top right corner. Milan continued to attack and attack but failed to find that finishing touch which is understandable as this was the first match of the season. Stefano Pioli made some questionable substitutions bringing on Leo Duarte, this then turned the tide in Bologna’s favour as they were now the more aggressive team. However, Milan held strong and secured the 2-0 victory to start the season.

STARTING LINE-UP

Gigio Donnarumma: There is no surprise that Gigio makes saves when he is called upon. You could even say at times he saved the match for Milan. 7.5/10

Davide Calabria: This might have been Calabria’s best match ever. He was a brick wall on the right side and he made great attacking runs going forward. Today he earned the man of the match and the starting spot. 8/10

Simon Kjaer: Kjaer continues his high level of play leading the backline. He and Calabria on the right side were impenetrable. 7/10

Matteo Gabbia: Gabbia played better against Bologna than he did against Shamrock Rovers. He looked more calm both on and off the ball. With time he could be a decent rotational piece. 6.5/10

Theo Hernandez: On both phases Theo played great. He provided an assist on the Ibra header and it looks like he has made improvements defensively as he headed out a danger Bologna cross. 7/10

Ismael Bennacer: To start the match it seemed that Bennacer was misplaying passes like he did against Shamrock but he settled as the match went on. Bennacer even got more involved in the attacking phase winning a crucial penalty. 6.5/10

Franck Kessie: Per usual Franck was everywhere and he is so vital to this team. Yes, he had moments where is touch failed him but overall solid. 6.5/10

Samu Castillejo: Again Castillejo was wasteful and his touch constantly failed him. There were so many attacks where he got the ball stolen off of him to easily and Milan cannot waste attacks like that. 5.5/10

Hakan Calhanoglu: Hakan didn't have a dominant night on the stat sheet but he was important nonetheless. His movements and vision helped Milan get into advantageous opportunities to score. 6.5/10

Ante Rebic: To be honest Ante looked a bit rusty and this is understandable because it was his first competitive match. Some of his touches were poor and he had a few miscommunications with his teammates. It wasn't all bad as he did make some nice plays to even his performance out. 6/10

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Zlatan really is the life blood of this team. When he is on the pitch the level on play rises. He scored a wonderful header and an absolutely perfect penalty to secure the win.

SUBSTITUTES

Alexis Saelemaekers: Saelemaekers came in and stepped up play on that right wing. Today he looked competent and skillful making little flicks to spring the Milan attack. 6.5/10

Brahim Diaz: Diaz is a skillful dribbler and he shows that every time he steps on the pitch but he does have to release the ball quicker in order to create chances. With time to adjust to Serie A he could be a good player. 6/10

Leo Duarte: When Leao Duarte came on the game turned upside down and not in a good way. Duarte is slow to react too many things on the pitch and to my eye it seems as though his positioning is off. 5.5/10

Sandro Tonali: Tonali looks a little nervous out there but who wouldn't be when they play at their childhood club. Like Brahim he needs time to adjust and the fans should respect that. 6/10

Rade Krunic: N/A