AC Milan made it three wins in three games to start the Serie A season as we secured victory over Lazio at San Siro.
The Rossoneri took the lead through Rafael Leao in the first half after some clever build-up play between the Portuguese ace and Ante Rebic, while Franck Kessie missed a penalty just before half-time.
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However, that didn’t come back to cost us as Zlatan Ibrahimovic came off the bench to score on his return with Rebic grabbing another assist, and so our perfect start to the league campaign continues.
With a tough assignment at Liverpool in the Champions League in midweek followed by a trip to Juventus next weekend, it was imperative that we started the week well and so Stefano Pioli and the players will no doubt be delighted.
So, how did the Milan players rate in the win over Lazio?
Mike Maignan, 6.5 – Didn’t have a great deal to do as his defence kept things quiet, but he was alert and on his toes throughout to command his box and distribute the ball quickly to get us moving into attack.
Davide Calabria, 7 – A solid defensive display as he gave nothing to Lazio down our right flank and pushed forward to offer a threat too in an all-round positive performance.
Fikayo Tomori, 7 – Shifted across to the right side of the centre-half pairing but looked in control from start to finish. Used his pace, awareness and strength well to nullify Ciro Immobile and keep things tight.
Alessio Romagnoli, 7 – A really impressive return to the starting XI for our captain. It can’t be easy for him to sit out for long periods, but he must produce when involved and he certainly did this weekend with a top display in playing a pivotal role in keeping a clean sheet.
Theo Hernandez, 7 – Used his strength well in defensive situations to close out Lazio attacks and as expected, always made lung-busting runs forward whenever possible to offer a real threat in the final third.
Franck Kessie, 6.5 – A shame to see him miss his penalty having had such an excellent record, but a positive return to the side after injury as he gave us a real presence in midfield to help control the game.
Sandro Tonali, 7.5 – Another top performance from the 21-year-old as he is now imposing himself on games, taking his own game through the gears and starting to boss things in midfield. A really positive start to the season, and long may it continue.
Alessandro Florenzi, 6.5 – A decent outing for Florenzi who was given his full debut. Offered good work ethic and determination on and off the ball to help us apply pressure high up the pitch and keep Lazio contained.
Brahim Diaz, 7 – Not as decisive as he has been in the first two games, but nonetheless another good display from the Spaniard as our creative hub. Always looking to be involved in the final third and making intricate passing to probe and find holes, key role in the win.
Rafael Leao, 7 – While he still needs to work on his final delivery as he got into countless 1v1 situations and couldn’t find the end product, this was much more like it from Leao. At the heart of our first goal before finishing it off, looked much more of a threat in this one.
Ante Rebic, 7.5 – Not easy for him to lead the line as it’s not his natural role, but he ended the game with two assists having played a decisive role in the victory. Two quality bits of play ultimately made all the difference in breaking through Lazio, and so he can be pleased with his contribution.
Substitutes
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 7 – Wasted no time in making an impact on his return. Credit to Rebic for putting it on a plate for him, but showed his class and instincts in the box to tap home and make a decisive contribution within minutes of coming on.
Tiemoue Bakayoko, N/A – Unfortunate to pick up an injury so soon after coming off the bench, it’s hoped it isn’t serious.
Alexis Saelemaekers, 6 – Did well after coming on to help us maintain control and see out the win.
Ismael Bennacer, 6.5 – Similar to Saelemaekers in that he was brought on to replace Bakayoko and to shore things up in midfield, and he did just that.
Fode Ballo-Toure, N/A