Juventus 1-2 AC Milan: Player Ratings & Match Analysis
The Derby d'Italia served up another thrilling encounter as AC Milan edged past Juventus 2-1 in a tightly contested match. While the scoreline suggests a comfortable victory for the Rossoneri, the reality was a fiercely fought battle, with both sides displaying moments of brilliance and frustrating lapses in concentration. This in-depth analysis will delve into the individual performances, providing player ratings and dissecting the key moments that shaped the game.
Juventus Player Ratings: A Night of Missed Opportunities
Juventus, despite their defeat, showed glimpses of their potential, particularly in the attacking third. However, a lack of clinical finishing and defensive vulnerabilities ultimately cost them the points.
Wojciech Szczęsny (6.5/10): Szczęsny made several crucial saves, showcasing his reflexes and positioning. While he couldn't prevent both goals, his performance was commendable, keeping the scoreline respectable. He was largely helpless against Leao's exquisite finish.
Danilo (7/10): A solid defensive performance from Danilo. He offered stability on the right flank, providing support both defensively and offensively. His passing was accurate, and he rarely misplaced a pass. His tackling was effective, although he could have been slightly more proactive in closing down certain attacking moves.
Gleison Bremer (6/10): Bremer had a mixed night. He won several aerial duels and made some important tackles, but he also looked vulnerable at times, particularly against the pace of Rafael Leão. He needs to improve his consistency.
Alex Sandro (5.5/10): A less impressive showing from Alex Sandro. He struggled defensively, often caught out of position, allowing space for Milan's attackers to exploit. His offensive contributions were limited, and he needs to improve his decision-making.
Juan Cuadrado (6/10): Cuadrado's experience showed in flashes, offering some decent crosses and winning back possession in key areas. However, his final ball lacked accuracy at times. His defensive work was inconsistent.
Nicolò Fagioli (7.5/10): One of Juventus' best performers. Fagioli controlled the midfield battle with his tireless running and precise passing. He created several chances and showed maturity beyond his years. A promising display.
Manuel Locatelli (6.5/10): Locatelli provided a solid midfield presence, offering defensive stability and distributing the ball effectively. While he didn't dictate the play as much as Fagioli, his contribution was vital. He needs to be more decisive going forward.
Adrien Rabiot (6/10): Rabiot had an inconsistent performance. He showed glimpses of his potential with driving runs and tackles, but also gave the ball away in dangerous positions on several occasions.
Federico Chiesa (7/10): Chiesa's pace and direct running caused problems for the Milan defense. He was a constant threat and showed great determination, creating chances. He needs to be more clinical in front of goal, though.
Dusan Vlahović (6/10): Vlahović's workrate was commendable but he failed to convert the chances that came his way. He struggled to find space and was ultimately outmuscled by Milan's defence on multiple occasions. He needs to find a way to impact the game more decisively.
Moisés Kean (6/10): Kean’s introduction injected some much-needed energy into Juventus' attack. While he didn’t score, his presence created space for others and he offered a different outlet upfront.
Substitutes: The substitutes provided a small boost but couldn’t change the overall result.
AC Milan Player Ratings: A Display of Clinical Finishing
AC Milan displayed clinical finishing and resolute defending to secure the victory. Their attacking prowess was evident, but defensive solidity proved equally crucial.
Mike Maignan (7.5/10): Maignan made a couple of important saves, showcasing his agility and shot-stopping ability. He commanded his area well and his presence alone was a deterrent.
Davide Calabria (7/10): Calabria had a solid defensive performance, dealing effectively with Chiesa's runs. He also contributed offensively, creating a couple of decent opportunities.
Pierre Kalulu (7.5/10): Kalulu produced a very good game against Vlahović, effectively neutralizing his threat. His strength and pace were crucial in preventing Juventus from creating clear-cut chances.
Malick Thiaw (7/10): Thiaw was assured at the back, winning aerial battles and making timely interceptions. He showcased good defensive awareness and positioning.
Theo Hernandez (8/10): Hernandez's attacking flair was on full display. He made some crucial runs down the left flank, delivering dangerous crosses and creating numerous opportunities. His defensive contribution was solid as well.
Sandro Tonali (7.5/10): Tonali dictated the tempo of the game in midfield, showing composure and intelligence in his passing. He won back possession effectively and controlled the midfield battle. A masterful display.
Rade Krunić (7/10): Krunić provided the midfield muscle, breaking up play and offering support to Tonali. He was tireless in his work-rate.
Brahim Díaz (7/10): Diaz’s creative spark was evident in the final third. He created numerous chances and showed great skill on the ball, often drawing fouls and creating space for his teammates.
Rafael Leão (8.5/10): Leão’s brilliance was undeniable. His pace and skill proved too much for Juventus’ defence to handle. His goal was a thing of beauty, a testament to his talent.
Olivier Giroud (7/10): Giroud provided a much needed strong physical presence upfront. He won many aerial duels and linked up well with his teammates. While not scoring himself, he was involved in the build-up to Milan’s second goal.
Junior Messias (6.5/10): Messias’ pace and energy was a threat on the right flank. He contributed to the overall attacking prowess of the team and worked tirelessly.
Substitutes: The substitutions made by Milan helped to maintain their momentum and secure the win.
Match Analysis: Key Moments and Tactical Insights
The match was a captivating tactical battle, with both managers deploying different strategies. Milan's high press disrupted Juventus' build-up play, forcing errors and creating turnovers. Juventus struggled to cope with Milan's speed and movement in the final third, while Milan's defence remained resolute throughout the game. The goals conceded by Juventus highlighted their defensive vulnerabilities, particularly down the flanks. The effectiveness of Milan's midfield was crucial in dictating the flow of the game, controlling possession and creating chances. In contrast, Juventus’ midfield lacked the consistency to control the game and often gave away possession in dangerous areas.
Conclusion: A Deserved Victory for AC Milan
AC Milan's victory was a deserved one, a testament to their clinical finishing and tactical flexibility. While Juventus showed glimpses of their potential, their defensive frailties and lack of clinical finishing cost them the game. The match highlighted the strengths of both teams, but also exposed areas that need improvement. The Derby d’Italia continues to be a captivating rivalry, with both teams constantly vying for supremacy.