Milan: Maignan 7; Walker 5.5, Tomori 5.5, Thiaw 5, Theo Hernandez 5.5; Reijnders 6, Fofana 6 (80′ Bondo n/a); Musah 5 (25′ Jovic 7), Pulisic 6.5 (80′ Chukwueze n/a), Leao 6; Abraham 7 (55′ Gimenez 5.5) (80′ Joao Felix n/a)
Best Milan players: Abraham & Maignan 7 – The striker’s grit and determination, arguably more than his technique, are the main reasons Sergio Conceiçao is increasingly relying on the English striker up front. The tenacity he showed in driving the ball toward the box, before combining with Pulisic for Milan’s first goal, was a spark in an otherwise overwhelmed Rossoneri side that would need many more players with his spirit. However, the France international deserves immense credit for making his teammates’ goals worth a point, as he stole the spotlight in the second half with stunning saves that will have reminded fans of his best moments.
Lowest Milan rating: Musah 5 – While he certainly deserves a poor rating, it can’t be as harsh as his coach’s decision to sub him off midway through the first half. Milan paid the price for the USA international’s limited technique and poor ability to manage possession under pressure, but he shouldn’t have been put in that position in the first place and had no time to redeem himself.
Milan coach: Sergio Conceiçao 5.5 – Once again, his side needed to suffer a setback—actually, two this time—before showing any signs of life, a dynamic that can’t be acceptable for a team with players of this caliber. Somehow, Milan quickly began to look like credible winners as they mounted a response, but the Portuguese manager needs to understand why the Rossoneri only start playing at their best when the road is uphill.
Fiorentina: De Gea 7; Pongracic 5.5 (72′ Comuzzo 6), Pablo Mari 5, Ranieri 5.5; Dodo 7, Fagioli 6.5, Cataldi 5.5 (59′ Ndour 6), Mandragora 6.5 (88′ Adli n/a), Parisi (72′ Folorunsho 6); Gudmundsson 6.5 (59′ Beltran 5.5), Kean 6.5
Best Fiorentina players: De Gea & Dodo 7– As hard as it may be to believe with Fiorentina two goals ahead just 10 minutes into the game, the former Manchester United goalkeeper ultimately stepped up as the main protagonist for the visitors, making a series of unbelievable saves that kept Milan from making a comeback much sooner. At the same time, the Brazilian wing-back displayed stunning pace and technique, looking almost impossible to handle for Theo Hernandez, who repeatedly lost track of his movements, including the one that led to Kean’s opener.
Lowest Fiorentina rating: Pablo Mari 5 – While he showed courage, he was involved in both of Milan’s goals, as his misplaced movements were clinically punished by his opponents. In a game that shifted from end to end so quickly, it’s understandable that a defender of his size could struggle.
Fiorentina coach: Raffaele Palladino 6.5 – A brave performance from the Viola, who remained undefeated in three consecutive games against Juventus, Atalanta, and Milan. They likely could have managed their initial two-goal lead more wisely, but the achievement wasn’t easy in a roaring San Siro and against players of such quality and pace. They may leave San Siro with a few regrets, but De Gea’s saves will likely remind them that the Rossoneri could have just as easily turned it around.
