Olivier Giroud is Football Italia’s MOTM for Milan’s 3-1 win over Roma which he inspired with a goal and an assist. Check out player ratings from San Siro.
Milan
Maignan 6.5 – Superb first-half save to keep Milan ahead. ‘Magic Mike’ rarely disappoints between the sticks.
Calabria 5.5 – Caused a naive penalty with Milan in control of the game.
Gabbia 6.5 – Authoratively beat Lukaku.
Kjaer 7 – Assist for Giroud and a disciplined defensive performance.
Theo Hernandez 7.5 – Returned to the left flank for the first time after several games. He celebrated in style with his first Serie A goal of 2024, which allowed Milan to restore a two-goal lead. (89′ Jimenez N/A)
Adli 7.5 – Scored his first goal in 21 Milan appearances with a lovely left-foot finish from the edge of the box. Controlled the tempo and received a deserved standing ovation when he was replaced. (89′ Zeroli N/A)
Reijnders 6.5 – No Roma midfielder could match his quality. The Dutchman always knew what to do with the ball at his feet.
Loftus-Cheek 6 – Outstanding physicality, but could have been more dangerous on some occasions.
Pulisic – 6.5 – The American winger received the POTM award before kick-off and justified the recognition for December with a couple of eye-catching dribbles, including a nutmeg on Lorenzo Pellegrini in the second half, but no goals nor assists tonight. (79′ Musah N/A)
Giroud 8 – Scored his 10th Serie A goal this season and the assist for Theo was magnificent.
Leao 5.5 – With Kristensen as a direct opponent, the Portuguese striker could have produced much more down the left flank. It’s a shame because he had enough space to hurt the Giallorossi (79′ Okafor N/A)
Coach: Pioli 7 – Milan were in control for the majority of the game and deservedly beat Roma.
Roma
Svilar 6 – Surprisingly started over Rui Patricio and could not be blamed for any of Milan’s two goals.
Kristensen 5 – Not at ease in the centre-back position, especially when the opponents enter Roma’s box.
Mancini 6 – Left everything on the pitch, as usual, and played until he could. (46′ Pellegrini 5.5)
Llorente 5.5 – Returned to the starting XI after the Rome derby, but he was clearly far from his best shape.
Celik 5.5 – Not quite his game. He helped Kristensen deal with Leao but didn’t contribute in the final third. (78′ Zalewski N/A)
Bove 5 – Non-existent in the final third and struggled to cope with Milan’s physicality in central midfield. A night to forget.
Paredes 6 – Scored his first Roma goal from the spot, wasn’t enough to avoid another away defeat.
Cristante 5 – Tracked back to central defence after a mediocre performance in midfield in the first half. It’s not entirely his fault as he had already played over 2,300 minutes prior to the game. Exhausted.
Spinazzola 5 – The Italy international was never really a threat for Milan. He didn’t even have chances to put crosses in. He’s probably not motivated enough, too, given that these will be his last games at the club. (78′ Huijsen N/G)
El Shaarawy 5 – Started against his former club, but didn’t leave his mark. No surprise he was subbed off after just one hour. (61′ Belotti 6)
Lukaku 5 – Another big game and another flop for Big Rom who didn’t produce a single shot on target.
Coach: Foti (Mourinho suspended) 5 – Roma simply didn’t do enough to win the game. They lack the competitive attitude they usually have at the Olimpico when they play away from home.