AC Milan secured a 4-1 win over Monza on Saturday with goals from Brahim Diaz (x2), Divock Origi and Rafael Leao.
The Rossoneri started well and were ahead after 16 minutes thanks to an excellent goal from Diaz, who then doubled our lead just before half-time.
READ MORE: Milan player ratings vs Verona: Tonali decisive, Rebic and Thiaw key impact
Divock Origi made it 3-0 with a fine finish just after the hour mark, but Milan then seemingly switched off as after Monza grabbed a goal back via a well-struck free-kick from Ranocchia, they had opportunities to reduce their deficit further.
Having held out through some good defending, Rafael Leao put an end to the game as he came off the bench and grabbed our fourth, and so while we need to tighten things up defensively, it was a good win, our fourth in a row in Serie A as we start to build some momentum domestically again.
AC Milan player ratings vs Monza:
Ciprian Tatarusanu, 6 – Might perhaps feel as though he could have done better on the free-kick to be beaten from that distance, but produced some key saves during the game at an important stage to keep us ahead and in a commanding position.
Sergino Dest, 6 – Improvement in his performance as he showed defensive solidity and pushed forward when possible. Replaced at half-time and Pioli confirmed after the game that his knock wasn’t anything serious.
Simon Kjaer, 6 – Still working his way to full fitness as he needs a good run of games to find his best form. Did his job well enough though before coming off on the hour mark.
Fikayo Tomori, 6 – Both he and Kjaer had a temporary lapse in the first half which saw Tatarusanu forced into a smart save, but otherwise was switched on and defended well for the most part.
Theo Hernandez, 6.5 – Provided an attacking threat with his forays forward down the left side along with his defensive duties, and he showed his class in the latter stages with the assist for Leao’s goal.
Tommaso Pobega, 6 – An important presence in the middle of the pitch as he helped us maintain control on the game. Wasn’t as impressive as his last appearance, but a solid shift as he came in and did a job.
Ismael Bennacer, 6.5 – Another strong performance as he keeps us ticking in midfield on the ball and provides crucial defensive protection out of possession. Again, perhaps not at his best, but played a key part in the win.
Messias Jr, 6.5 – Did really well in the build up to Origi’s goal to set up the chance and could have had a second assist but for some wayward finishing from De Ketelaere. As expected, his work ethic was spot on as he did a vital job defensively too.
Brahim Diaz, 7.5 – Two brilliant goals. Showed great strength, technical quality and finishing to put us two ahead in a decisive display. The challenge now is to keep this going and show consistency in the final third as he’s proven he can be a key figure for us. Crucially Pioli said his injury isn’t serious which is a big relief as a setback after that performance would have been bitterly disappointing.
Ante Rebic, 6 – Continued to probe and look for a way to make a big impact on the game but couldn’t find that final touch to add to a solid display. Important to have him back fully fit though to give us another option in the final third as he showed his quality last week and it also allows Leao to have a well-earned rest.
Divock Origi, 7 – Having finally put his injury woes behind him, he showed how important he can be for us moving forward this season. Scored with a brilliant strike from distance, and he showed good movement, physicality and technical ability on the ball to offer a different dynamic up top. A promising display to suggest he can step up for a bigger role when needed with Olivier Giroud also afforded a deserved rest.
Substitutes:
Pierre Kalulu, 6.5 – Got up to the speed of the game well and was defensively sound as we come to expect from him. Regardless of the situation and position he’s played in, continues to be a reliable defensive presence.
Charles De Ketelaere, 5.5 – Missed a big chance late on to get himself on the scoresheet in what would have been a much-needed boost for his confidence. Needs something to go his way when he’s involved next to just give him a lift and spark him into life having struggled for a while now.
Matteo Gabbia, 6 – Similar to Kalulu in that he came on and did his job well to shore things up at the back after Monza’s goal. Good signs from him as he’s showing consistency and reliability.
Rafael Leao, 6.5 – Good to see him get a chance to rest for most of the game, but came on and immediately added a threat to our play and grabbed a goal with a composed finish.
Aster Vranckx, N/A
