Milan secured a 1-0 win over Sampdoria at the Luigi Ferraris on Monday night as we opened the new Serie A season with a hard-fought three points.
A trip to face Samp at home is always a difficult fixture and this was no different as Milan had to show real grit and dig in to come out on top in a closely-fought encounter.
READ MORE: Why signing Florenzi is a smart move from Milan
Brahim Diaz’s early goal was the difference between the two sides, who both had decent chances throughout the game but were unable to find the back of the net.
In turn, while Milan will know that they can play better and must improve moving forward, to get points on the board at the first time of asking and come away with plenty of positives will no doubt please Stefano Pioli heading into next weekend’s clash with Cagliari.
Milan player ratings vs Sampdoria
Mike Maignan, 7.5 – An excellent debut from the French shot-stopper as he was alert to danger, made saves when called upon and looked commanding when coming out to claim. Also impressive with his distribution, including the key pass that helped set up our goal.
Davide Calabria, 7 – The Milan captain produced a solid performance as he defended well for the most part, barring a sticky period where Sampdoria caused him problems and seemingly targeted our right side, while he got forward often too. Provided the assist for Diaz’s goal.
Simon Kjaer, 7 – A reliable and commanding display from our central defensive rock, as he sniffed out danger on countless occasions and played a key role in keeping things tight at the back to secure a clean sheet.
Fikayo Tomori, 7 – Similarly to Kjaer, it was a commanding performance as his aggressive defensive style saw him make interceptions and break up play well as he pressurised the Sampdoria attackers at every opportunity.
Theo Hernandez, 5 – Not his night as it was frustrating for him early on with his teammates failing to find him having made some dangerous runs. However, was lethargic defensively and was lucky not to be punished while he offered little going forward as the game went on.
Sandro Tonali, 7 – Sloppy at times and so he needs to clean that up, but was a real driving force from midfield as he made some great runs but needs to find that killer pass when he gets into the opposition’s half. Can’t be faulted in terms of his defensive work and energy off the ball.
Rade Krunic, 6.5 – Didn’t offer a great deal of quality in possession, but played his part in getting stuck in and giving us a foothold in the game by making it competitive in midfield. Did his job well without doing anything spectacular.
Alexis Saelemaekers, 6 – As always, worked really hard for the team and played an important role off the ball defensively. Still not offering enough going forward though and so that is an area of his game that needs to improve if he is to stay in the XI.
Brahim Diaz, 7 – Scored the winning goal to give us all three points in the first game of the season, and looked really lively, particularly in the first half. Did well to spin away and attack the Sampdoria backline by finding space between the lines, but his influence waned a little after the break and was replaced.
Rafael Leao, 6.5 – Had some good moments in the first half, made some positive runs and had chances. Needs to be decisive in the final third though now and really stamp his mark on the side.
Olivier Giroud, 6.5 – A difficult night for him with a lack of real quality service, but he showed glimpses with his hold up play and ability to link things up as the focal point in attack, and it’s up to those around him to give him the chance to get goals. Will be disappointed he didn’t do better in a couple of situations though as he had opportunities to get off the mark.
Substitutes
Ismael Bennacer, 6 – Did well after coming on as he added fresh legs and solidity in midfield, but was also a little rusty and shaky as he gave possession away in a dangerous area which almost cost us.
Ante Rebic, 5.5 – Not a great deal of time to influence the game but he did go agonisingly close to finding a second goal as his effort from distance went just wide.
Alessandro Florenzi, N/A
Alessio Romagnoli, N/A