AC Milan secured a 3-1 win over Cagliari in Sardinia on Wednesday, as the Rossoneri produced an important comeback win to secure all three points.
Despite dominating possession in a patient and measured start to the game, Milan fell behind on the half-hour mark in a disappointing setback.
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As frustration started to creep in as we struggled to find a breakthrough, Stefano Pioli fortunately saw his side turn it around just before the half-time break in an important period the game that changed the momentum in our favour.
Goals from Noah Okafor and Fikayo Tomori gave us a lead at the break, and with Ruben Loftus-Cheek adding a third in the second half, it sealed a crucial victory that moves us joint-top of the Serie A table.
AC Milan player ratings Cagliari:
Marco Sportiello, 6.5 – Little he could have done to deny a stunning Luvumbo finish for Cagliari’s goal, but he did produce a crucial late save to protect our lead and help us avoid an anxious end to the game.
Alessandro Florenzi, 6 – A solid shift in both phases of the game, as he defended diligently and pushed forward when possible to provide an outlet too.
Malick Thiaw, 6 – Did well in dealing with the threat of Petagna, as he showed good physicality and focus throughout to keep things tight at the back.
Fikayo Tomori, 6.5 – Continued his improved form in this one as he was solid defensively for the most part, and he even came up with a pivotal second goal to give us the lead just before half-time.
Theo Hernandez, 6 – Strong in the opening stages with his defensive work and runs forward to add an attacking dynamic as he went close with an effort that forced a fine save from the Cagliari goalkeeper. Influence and energy faded as it went on.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, 7 – Continues to add an important element of physicality and athleticism in the Milan midfield, and produced a brilliant strike from distance to seal the win and register his first goal for the club.
Yacine Adli, 6.5 – A positive performance overall as he was handed a rare starting berth by Pioli. Will be disappointed he didn’t do better in the lead up to Cagliari’s goal which was a red mark against his display, but that aside, he was an important defensive presence in midfield and kept things tidy in possession.
Tijjani Reijnders, 7 – Excellent shift from the Dutchman, as he not only covers plenty of ground and influences things in both phases, but he made decisive contributions in our comeback too. If he can show more consistency in that side of it, he will continue to be a hugely influential presence in the side.
Samuel Chukwueze, 6 – Always willing to try and unlock a defence with his technical ability, speed and directness, and he did look threatening in the first half in particular. However, he’s still missing that decisive end product, and so he’ll hopefully start making more impactful contributions soon.
Noah Okafor, 6.5 – A difficult evening overall as he struggled to get involved in our build-up play, but credit to him for the crucial first goal. Pounced on the goalkeeper’s mistake and showed good composure and a clinical edge to put it away.
Christian Pulisic, 6.5 – Influential in our goals and although there were spells where we went quiet, his energy and industry in the attacking third continue to help stretch defences and create openings where we can be a threat.
Substitutes:
Yunus Musah, 6 – Added steeliness and energy to our midfield in the latter stages to help us see out the win.
Tommaso Pobega, 6 – Tidy shift as he did what was needed in midfield to protect our lead and secure all three points.
Luka Romero, 5.5 – Good to see him get minutes as although it wasn’t the biggest impact, he’ll hopefully be able to build off this outing,
Rafael Leao, 6 – Fortunately didn’t have to come on and change the game as he so often has had to do in the past when rested. Added a fresh threat in the latter stages, but was able to manage his output and do what was needed to see out the win.
Davide Bartesaghi, N/A
