AC Milan secured all three points with a 2-1 win over Salernitana on Wednesday, with goals from Rafael Leao and Sandro Tonali.
The Rossoneri started slow in the first few minutes, but we quickly found our feet as we were two goals to the good after just 15 minutes.
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Leao did well to break in behind the Salernitana defence from a Tonali pass, and after rounding the goalkeeper, he kept his composure to break the deadlock.
It wasn’t long before Milan doubled the lead, with Tonali going from provider to goalscorer as after seeing his first attempt saved, he was given a second opportunity and buried it from just inside the box with a great strike.
While we should have made it more comfortable for ourselves had we been more clinical, it was a good performance with things to work on. That said, the most important thing is that we picked up a win in our first game back and can now build on it.
AC Milan player ratings vs Salernitana:
Ciprian Tatarusanu, 6 – Had a decent game overall as he was particularly good at commanding his area and collecting crosses. However, his positioning didn’t look great for the goal even if his backline should have done better at the far post too.
Davide Calabria, 6.5 – Great to see him back in the starting line-up, and he showed his defensive resiliency and resolve throughout. Did well getting forward at times too, and he’ll no doubt continue to improve with more playing time.
Pierre Kalulu, 6.5 – Looked more comfortable and assured with Calabria back next to him, as he showed good positioning and recovery pace to defend well overall. Occasions where he’ll look back and know where he needs to tidy certain aspects up, but a good shift.
Fikayo Tomori, 7 – A solid defensive display and produced two brilliant interventions to deny Salernitana in dangerous situations. Similarly to Kalulu, he can improve on a few things, but a positive effort nonetheless.
Theo Hernandez, 6.5 – Did really well defensively in this one which was important for us, particularly in the latter stages, and although he wasn’t as impactful in the attacking phase, it was a boost to have him available to start after his return from World Cup duty.
Sandro Tonali, 7.5 – A superb shift as he produced an assist and goal within the first 15 minutes of the game. He linked up well with the attacking quartet throughout, and it’s hoped we see more of his threat in the final third moving forward as there was a real understanding and chemistry as to when and where to break forward.
Ismael Bennacer, 7 – While Tonali attacked, Bennacer swept up everything behind him. Did well defensively to protect the backline, while also playing his usual crucial role of initiating our attacking play from a deeper position.
Alexis Saelemaekers, 6 – Another important shift for the team as he worked tirelessly out of possession and did well at times to link our play together and maintain our attacking threat. Only negative was his poor defending for the goal as he lost his marker at the back post and should have done better.
Brahim Diaz, 7 – A positive influence on our attacking play as he linked things up effectively between the lines and supported Giroud up top to give him an option with his knock-downs. Thought he’d scored but was ruled out, but can be happy with his performance as he was key to some our best periods of possession in the final third.
Rafael Leao, 7.5 – Showed real class to take his goal and break the deadlock, and was a menace for the Salernitana backline for most of the game with his pace and direct running. On another day could have had added to his goals and assists tally as we weren’t clinical enough, but another top performance from our star man.
Olivier Giroud, 6.5 – Will be disappointed not to have got on the scoresheet as he did have chances, but ultimately played a pivotal role in our attacking play. His clever flicks and tricks are a joy to watch at times, as he effortlessly links things together and is always a real presence for us when leading the line. Shame he couldn’t add a goal to his afternoon’s work.
Substitutes:
Charles De Ketelaere, 6 – Positive aspect was that he got into positions to be a threat. If he keeps doing that, he’ll start to put those chances away and build his confidence. A good impact off the bench.
Matteo Gabbia, 6 – Did his job in the latter stages to help us see out the win.
Aster Vranckx, N/A
Sergino Dest, N/A