AC Milan battled back from behind to secure a 3-1 win over Bologna in our Serie A clash at San Siro on Friday night.
Riccardo Orsolini gave the visitors the lead shortly after the half-time interval, as the Rossoneri were forced to come from behind for a second consecutive game.
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Two goals in the space of six minutes turned it around as Santiago Gimenez and Christian Pulisic showed the decisive touch needed in the final third, before the Milan frontman bagged his second late on to make the win safe.
It’s another important result as it’s four consecutive wins for Milan across all competitions, as we continue to build confidence and momentum heading into the Coppa Italia final against Bologna next Wednesday night in Rome.
AC Milan player ratings vs Bologna:
Mike Maignan, 6.5 – Commanded his box well throughout and his distribution was accurate. Made a crucial late save to protect our lead before we added a third to seal the win.
Fikayo Tomori, N/A – Disappointing night for him as he was forced off early on after taking a blow to his head, and so it’s hoped it doesn’t sideline him next week.
Matteo Gabbia, 6 – Focused throughout on his defensive duties and organised the backline effectively to try and contain Bologna’s threat when breaking at the defence given our lack of protection in midfield.
Strahinja Pavlovic, 5 – Had a tough assignment up against Orsolini, but he will be disappointed with the goal having failed to stop the Bologna ace from cutting inside onto his favoured left foot and producing a fine finish.
Alex Jimenez, 5.5 – Worked hard for the team, but again, he’s still inconsistent in dangerous areas and doesn’t show enough quality when needed down the right flank.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, 5 – Struggled in the role asked of him as it doesn’t suit his characteristics and as a result Milan’s midfield was too often easily bypassed and our defensive line left exposed. Hopefully deployed in a more natural role in future when Youssouf Fofana is back.
Tijjani Reijnders, 6 – Played with good intent and positivity in trying to make something happen. Showed great movement and energy off the ball to provide an option to his teammates, and so it was an important shift from our midfield ace.
Theo Hernandez, 5.5 – Didn’t do a great deal in either phase, but certainly expected more impetus and quality from him attacking down the left flank.
Christian Pulisic, 7 – Grew into the game as it went on, albeit we would ideally have rested him ahead of next week. Provided the assist for the equaliser before getting on the scoresheet himself to put us ahead and continue his fine form this season, as it was a decisive second-half effort from the Milan star.
Joao Felix, 5 – Showed glimpses and gets into good positions, but the end product just isn’t there. As we edge closer to the end of the season, he’s continuing to fail to show enough to warrant being considered for a permanent switch.
Luka Jovic, 5 – Was limited in terms of chances, but couldn’t convert when a big opportunity came his way just before the interval. Struggled to give us a focal point and a consistently effective option to hold the ball up and bring others into play while leading the line.
Substitutes:
Malick Thiaw, 5.5 – Decent effort given he had to catch up to the speed and tempo of the game, filled in and helped us keep things relatively tight.
Samuel Chukwueze, 7 – Gave us an injection of freshness and dangerous play after coming on in a really positive performance. Involved in all three of our goals, including the assist for our third.
Santiago Gimenez, 7.5 – Great to see him starting to find form, as he’s looking more confident, comfortable and fitter. Took his goals really well and was a decisive presence in the final third as we turned the game around and secured all three points.
Kyle Walker, 6 – Showed his versatility and adaptability as we switched system in the latter stages, experienced head to help us see out the win.
Yunus Musah, N/A
