AC Milan made it nine wins in 10 games to start the Serie A season with a 1-0 victory over Torino at San Siro on Tuesday night.
The Rossoneri prevailed in a scrappy contest which lacked quality for the most part, but having registered our first clean sheet in nearly a month and secured another three important points, it was job done as far as Stefano Pioli was concerned.
READ MORE: Five big talking points as Milan eventually prevail over Bologna
Olivier Giroud’s first-half goal was enough to seal the win, with the Frenchman making it four goals in six Serie A appearances so far this season, as Milan, temporarily at least, move clear at the top of the table and continue to set the pace in the Scudetto battle.
Milan player ratings vs Torino:
Ciprian Tatarusanu, 6.5 – Didn’t have a great deal to do, but produced a decisive save in the latter stages to deny Sanabria. Didn’t quite get a full glove on it as it almost crept in, but made the stop and helped secure the win.
Davide Calabria, 6.5 – Another mature, solid performance from Calabria as he was sound defensively and tried to push forward when possible to offer something in the attacking phase too.
Fikayo Tomori, 7 – Yet again, put in a superb shift in the heart of the defence. Physically strong and aggressive off the ball and composed in possession. Key block on a late chance that skimmed the crossbar, joy to watch him dominate.
Alessio Romagnoli, 6 – Picked up an early booking which complicated his night, but played well overall as he was comfortable at the back before being replaced at the break.
Pierre Kalulu, 6 – In context, given he was playing out of position at left-back, put in a good display to try and offer us defensive solidity down that flank. Was also given an early yellow and came off at half-time.
Sandro Tonali, 7 – Another impressive outing for the Italian midfielder, as he played with great intent, desire and composure to play a pivotal role in midfield in both phases of the game. Broke play up well and got us moving with his technical quality on the ball.
Franck Kessie, 6 – A mixed bag as he showed his class at times but was off the pace too. Needs to find that all-important consistency and the peak of his physical powers to dominate in midfield.
Alexis Saelemaekers, 6 – A much-improved performance compared to that against Bologna, as he worked hard and effectively off the ball while finding space in between the lines to provide an option in the final third.
Rade Krunic, 6 – A key assist as his flick on from Tonali’s corner allowed Giroud to pounce. A solid if not extravagant display as he does well given his work-rate and solidity but not so much in terms of creativity and attacking quality.
Rafael Leao, 6 – Perhaps starting to tire given his heavy workload so far this season, but for the second consecutive game, the Portuguese winger disappeared after the break and didn’t really offer any threat after a decent first-half effort.
Olivier Giroud, 6.5 – Battled hard up front with his ability to both hold up the ball and play an important role in our build-up play, and scored the winning goal with a neat finish. Lacked service and so wasn’t a threat for the most part.
Substitutions:
Theo Hernandez, 6 – Good to see him return after his stint out with COVID, looked a bit rusty after coming on which was natural but hopefully gets back up to full speed at the weekend.
Simon Kjaer, 6.5 – Despite having to come on in difficult circumstances, kept it tight at the back and helped secure the clean sheet.
Tiemoue Bakayoko, 5.5 – Still lacking sharpness and match fitness as he struggled to really take command in midfield after coming on, hopefully these cameo appearances are helping him to get into top shape.
Ismael Bennacer, 6 – Worked hard after coming on to maintain our control on the game and to help see out the victory by offering protection in front of the defence.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, N/A