AC Milan secured a 3-1 win over Parma on Saturday evening despite going down to 10 men following Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s red card.
The Rossoneri were in full control at half-time following goals from Ante Rebic and Franck Kessie, but there was an unexpected twist after the break.
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After Ibrahimovic was dismissed, Parma scored soon after to put themselves back in the game, but fortunately Milan were able to hold out and bagged a late third through Rafael Leao to secure all three points in a crucial win.
AC Milan player ratings vs Parma
Donnarumma, 6.5 – Solid performance which included a highlight-reel worthy double save in the second half, as he does what he usually does and produces key moments of class.
Kalulu, 6 – Good display at right-back which is a position he has had struggles with previously. Replaced late on, but can be pleased with his efforts.
Kjaer, 6.5 – Commanding presence at the back and dealt with the aerial threat posed by Parma’s attack well.
Tomori, 6.5 – Another impressive performance from the Chelsea loanee, combining well with Kjaer and developing a solid partnership at the back. Defence switched off on his side for the goal, and so there is still improvements to be made.
Theo Hernandez, 6 – Much better than last time out and produced the assist for Kessie’s goal. Nowhere to be seen at the back post for Parma’s goal though and picked up a yellow card for a reckless tackle.
Kessie, 7.5 – Excellent. That’s now 10 goals in Serie A this season and he has shown real improvement in that side of his game to show more maturity and composure in attacking situations. Solid in midfield, albeit he did appear to lose Graziano Pelle in the build-up to the home side’s goal.
Bennacer, 6.5 – Improving as he gets more minutes following his long layoff, as he’s showing the quality on and off the ball that made him such an integral figure in the side previously. Replaced in the latter stages for a more defensive option.
Saelemaekers, 6 – A steady performance as he worked hard and did well early on going forward. His impact diminished as the game went on, but a decent shift from the Belgian in a preferred role further up the right wing.
Calhanoglu, 5.5 – Started well and showed flashes of pulling the strings in between the lines with some good link-up play, but faded as the game went on and didn’t really have a decisive influence.
Rebic, 7 – Top-class finish to break the deadlock, excellent in terms of his defensive effort and showed his versatility by playing up front after the red card. A display that showcased his importance to the side.
Ibrahimovic, 5.5 – Good start to the game and laid on the assist for Rebic. However, unjustly or not as it’s unclear whether or not it was warranted at this stage, his red card may prove to be costly in the coming weeks if he receives a suspension.
Substitutes:
Meite, 6 – Offered solidity in midfield as we looked to hold on to our lead.
Dalot, 6.5 – Great play to lead the counter attack which led to our third goal that killed the game off.
Krunic, 5.5 – Similarly to Meite, brought on to shore things up and did his part.
Gabbia, 6 – With Pioli shutting up shop, added more defensive presence to keep Parma at bay.
Leao, 6.5 – Took his goal really well showing great composure to end his goal drought.