Milan Player Ratings: Milan 3-2 Bodo/Glimt

After beating Shamrock Rovers, AC Milan had to face Norwegian opponents Bodo/Glimt. Going into this match many stated that Bodo/Glimt would be no easy win as they have been unbeaten in 20 matches in their respective league. Some people even called Bodo/Glimt the Norwegian Atalanta. For much of the first half Milan dominated the possession and created chances. However they looked vulnerable on the defensive end because of the build up play of Bodo/Glimt. Just 15 minutes in Bodo/Glimt attacked and got their first goal. Milan now had to answer and answer quickly, thankfully they did as Hakan Calhanoglu scored a screamer to equalize. In the 32nd minute Milan were on the attack again. Theo Hernandez crossed it in, Calhanoglu tipped it and it fell to 18 year old Lorenzo Colombo who scored to give Milan the lead. 45 minutes were done and Milan had the lead.

The second half started and much of the narrative was the same with Milan seeing much of the possession but Bodo/Glimt looking dangerous in attack. Milan had a good start to the second half when Calhanoglu scored another screamer to bolster Milan’s lead. Now 3-1 it seemed as if Milan would walk out with a win or so we thought. Just 5 minutes after the Milan goal Bodo/Glimt answered back with a goal of their own. Now 3-2 Milan looked a tad in trouble. Both Milan and Bodo/Glimt had opportunities to score but they both couldn't find the back of the net. With a bit of luck Milan advance in the Europa League and survive another day.

STARTING LINE-UP

Gigio Donnarumma: Donnarumma had to be on his game against Bodo/Glimt and he came through. He made crucial saves to keep Milan in the lead. 7/10

Davide Calabria: Calabria has had a great start to the season but he had his handsful with Bodo/Glimt player Jens Petter Hauge. Hauge’s pace and skill was difficult for Davide to handle. 6/10

Simon Kjaer: Kjaer also had to deal with Hauge at times and he won a few more battles than Calabria. However I didn't think Kjaer looked as good as he has been in the past. Counting on Kjaer to play every 3 days might be a recipe for disaster. 6.5/10

Matteo Gabbia: Gabbia has one mediocre game and then one game where he looks shaky. This was a shaky game and he had some questionable moments. Gabbia got tangled up on defence a few times and on the ball he should be more confident. 5.5/10

Theo Hernandez: Theo was dangerous going forward as per usual. On the other end he was back to being subpar. He misjudged passes which allowed the Bodo/Glimt attack to penetrate the Milan defence easily. 6/10

Ismael Bennacer: Again Bennacer got off to a slow start, missing some easy passes. Also again Bennacer didn't capitalize on a prime scoring chance for the second match in a row. Bennacer started off slow last year but then started balling out, hopefully history repeats itself. 6/10

Franck Kessie: Kessie was one of the players to blame on the first goal by Bodo/Glimt but after that he turned back into Franck the tank. Like against Shamrock Rovers, Kessie’s strength was a massive asset to Milan. 6.5/10

Samu Castillejo: I think we can all agree that right now Samu just isn't playing up to standard, even getting outplayed by Saelemaekers. Samu lost the ball too easily and his passes were erratic. He did assist the Calhanoglu goal to give him a bit of credit. 5.5/10

Hakan Calhanoglu: Even without Ibra, Hakan played at an elite level. With 2 goals and a assist Hakan is no doubt the man of the match. 8/10

Alexis Saelemaekers: Saelemaekers has made some steps of improvement and against Bodo/Glimt he looked better than Samu. Saelemaekers versatility has gotten Milan out of covid/injury trouble. He is like a faster cheaper and a little more skillful Borini. 6.5/10

Lorenzo Colombo: In a covid surprise Colombo got his first start for Milan. The 18 year old didn't play too bad. He showed his ability to have his back to the net then turn and shoot. He scored a tap but kept his composure. Colombo showed a bit of promise. 6.5/10

SUBSTITUTES

Daniel Maldini: Maldini was certainly played out of position and he did look out of place as a striker. He made a nice tackle reminding fans of his father but he then lost the ball immediately. Personally I believe Maldini should be loaned out. 5.5/10

Rade Krunic: It seems that Pioli enjoys putting in Krunic on the left wing to try and hold leads to secure wins. Every game Krunic is fairly solid, he didn't do anything spectacular but he is a solid option. 6/10

Sandro Tonali: It is evident that Tonali will need time to adjust to Milan. Again he looked unsure of himself and not aggressive. With time Tonali should be perfectly fine and once he adjusts he will be a good piece for Milan. 5.8/10