AC Milan secured a 2-0 win over Venezia on Wednesday night as the Rossoneri maintained their unbeaten start to the Serie A season.
While we struggled to find a breakthrough in the first half, Brahim Diaz and Theo Hernandez found openings after the break to secure all three points as Milan remain joint-top of the table as things stand having played five games.
READ MORE: Tomori, Tonali establishing themselves as rocks in Pioli’s Milan
With injuries and rotation coming into play this week, Stefano Pioli made several changes to his starting XI, and it was his substitutions which ultimately proved to be decisive too as we sealed a hard-fought victory.
Milan player ratings vs Venezia:
Mike Maignan, 6 – Alert to any danger that came his way, albeit on rare occasions. Important in the building of our play from the back too. Another clean sheet, job done.
Pierre Kalulu, 6.5 – A lot of positives to take from this performance, in both phases of the game. Did well defensively, got forward and had a good chance of his own to score.
Matteo Gabbia, 6 – Wasn’t overly troubled by the Venezia frontline, but a good outing for him particularly considering he’s coming back into the starting XI after a significant period of time with a lack of minutes.
Alessio Romagnoli, 6.5 – Similarly to the rest of the backline, he was comfortable for the most part from a defensive perspective, and did well in building play and getting it forward accurately.
Fode Ballo Toure, 6 – A decent display, will need to clean a few things up and play with bit more confidence and intent, but a valuable addition to the squad to offer depth in that position.
Sandro Tonali, 6.5 – Not as decisive as he has been in his impressive start to the season, but nonetheless, he still played a vital role in giving us control in midfield and setting us on our way to eventually finding breakthroughs.
Ismael Bennacer, 6.5 – Slow start, but grew into the game as it went on and become more influential. Played a key part in the first goal, and was his usual tenacious and combative self in midfield.
Alessandro Florenzi, 6 – Certainly improving as he doesn’t look as though he’s quite at his best fitness wise just yet. However, had his moments both in terms of being a direct threat and a provider, but couldn’t convert on either occasion.
Brahim Diaz, 7 – A frustrating night for him as he couldn’t be the creative spark that we needed in the final third, but he eventually made his mark with a pivotal first goal to break through the Venezia defence. A key moment, another positive impact.
Rafael Leao, 7 – Looked a threat for most of the game before gradually tiring, but was bright and direct with his attacking play as he looked to take players on and make something happen.
Ante Rebic, 6 – As always, continued to work hard for the team as the leader of the line, running the channels and trying to create dangerous situations. Couldn’t quite extend his good form in front of goal, but did have one big chance and so will be disappointed not to have made a bigger impact.
Substitutions:
Fikayo Tomori, 6.5 – Came on and added solidity to the backline while also driving us forward.
Theo Hernandez, 7.5 – Did well after coming on as he not only produced an assist for Diaz, but got on the scoresheet himself with a brilliantly drilled finish. A decisive influence off the bench to turn the game in our favour.
Alexis Saelemaekers, – A crucial contribution as he was key along with Hernandez in finding holes in the Venezia defensive system. Did well to find space between the lines and cause them problems, and produced the assist for our second goal.
Pietro Pellegri, 6 – On for his debut in a great moment for him, did well to give us a fresh option in the latter stages.
Franck Kessie, N/A
