AC Milan twice surrendered a lead in their 2-2 Serie A draw with Atalanta on Sunday as they were forced to share the spoils. Goals from Gonzalo Higuain and Giacomo Bonaventura weren’t enough for the hosts as they failed to cope with a much-improved second-half performance from Atalanta.
Positives
Milan’s first-half display was a reminder of the level of football that they’re capable of playing. They played with intensity, urgency and quality in possession, which would make them a problem for any side.
Negatives
Wasteful when dominating in the opening 45 minutes, the Rossoneri yet again failed to put together a solid 90-minute performance. They wilted under the pressure in the second half and couldn’t stand up to Atalanta’s pressure, leading to two avoidable equalisers and more dropped points.
Manager rating out of 10
5 — Gennaro Gattuso was lauded for his game-changing substitutions last season, but so far this year, he’s simply not getting them right. Instead of giving Milan a boost and an opportunity to re-establish a sense of control in the game, it’s leading to the Italian giants looking more disjointed and vulnerable.
Player ratings out of 10 (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Gianluigi Donnarumma, 6 — Arguably more assured in possession that given credit for, but did flap at crosses at times, which created problems. Overall, dealt with what he had to well enough.
DF Davide Calabria, 5 — A decent performance overall, while he continued to push forward to offer width down the right flank. However, picked up a yellow card, which made him a slight liability as the game went on, while he also lost Papu Gomez for the first equaliser.
DF Mateo Musacchio, 6 — Impressive in the first half as he defended well and pushed up to attack at times too. However, similarly to the Cagliari game, he struggled with the physicality and movement of a dynamic striker like Duvan Zapata and looked uneasy in the second half.
DF Alessio Romagnoli, 6 — Similar story to his defensive partner, as although he impressed for the most part, as a pairing, it’s questionable if they are capable of dealing with a more physical striker who puts them under more pressure.
DF Ricardo Rodriguez, 6 — Much improved display from the left-back, as he looked assured in possession and did his defensive work diligently. More of the same and he could potentially delay the decision to give Diego Laxalt more minutes.
MF Franck Kessie, 5 — Offered energy and aggression in midfield and deserved credit for his work rate. However, he continues to lack the quality needed in the final third, as evidenced by his crucial miss in the first half, which could have potentially helped kill the game.
MF Lucas Biglia, 6 — It’s difficult to be too critical as he played a key role in providing defensive protection in front of the back line with countless interceptions. Nevertheless, Milan are developing a habit of folding under pressure, and so a stronger backbone to the side is needed.
MF Giacomo Bonaventura, 7 — A constant problem for the Atalanta defence with his late runs into the box. Unfortunate not to have scored earlier, but eventually took his chance well and impressed throughout with his work ethic too.
FW Suso, 7 — The criticism of Suso last weekend was that he didn’t do enough with all the possession that he had. This time round, it was the complete opposite. The Spaniard was decisive with his two assists, but he has to find the balance and consistency to deliver like this week on week.
FW Gonzalo Higuain, 7 — A superb strike to open the scoring as he bagged his third goal in as many games. Continued to provide an option up top throughout and linked play up well. Perhaps a concern that he is being forced to play heavy minutes with Patrick Cutrone sidelined.
FW Hakan Calhanoglu 5 — Not his night as he struggled to really showcase his quality in a disappointing performance. Had his moments, but overall was sloppy on the ball and wasn’t able to match the decisiveness of Suso and Bonaventura to give Milan a different threat on the left flank.
Substitutes
DF Ignazio Abate, 5 — Brought on to provide additional defensive cover on the right flank, but without his pace to bail him out, he’s more often a liability than a help.
MF Tiemoue Bakayoko, N/R — Offered a little more physicality and drive in midfield after coming on, but failed to get a foothold in the game to give Milan a sense of control on proceedings.
FW Samu Castillejo, N/R — Not a great deal of time to impress but offered a burst of energy after his introduction.
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