Milan Player Ratings vs Torino: Pioli’s Mixed Lineup Brushed Aside

Stefano Pioli’s tactical experiment came crashing down epically as Torino humbled Milan 3-1 in the penultimate Serie A round. A humiliating performance at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino saw Rossoneri wave goodbye to their hopes of reaching an 80-point landmark.

But it was nothing less than they deserved. Torino entered the game with more energy and determination. Milan looked toothless from the get-go, and it was a matter of time before they would collapse. Duvan Zapata opened the floodgate in the 26th minute with a thumping header.

With the halftime whistle approaching, Milan fell two goals behind as Ivan Ilic headed home Raoul Bellanova’s cross after being left unmarked around the penalty spot. The game barely resumed for the second half when Ricardo Rodriguez scored an absolute beauty from outside the box.

Milan pulled one back through Ismael Bennacer from the spot, but that was everything they had to offer tonight. Let’s look at our player ratings. 

Milan (4-3-3)

Marco Sportiello – 4

It’s hard to blame a goalkeeper when his defenders let him down as often as Milan’s back four did tonight, but it takes nothing away from the Italian’s unconvincing performance.

Pierre Kalulu – 4.5

A lengthy spell on the sidelines has left its mark on the Frenchman as he struggled to keep up with Torino’s pace. 

Fikayo Tomori – 3.5

What was he thinking when he rushed to mark Thiaw instead of Ilic for Torino’s second? He even had the audacity to shout at his teammates as if it was their fault. An awful showing!  

Malick Thiaw – 5.5

Like Tomori, he had a chance to watch and learn from Alessandro Buongiorno, though it’s fair to say he fared way better than the Englishman.

Filippo Terracciano – 3

The youngster will want to forget his maiden Milan start in Serie A as quickly as possible. Raoul Bellanova shredded him to pieces in every one-on-one situation tonight.

Yunus Musah – 6

If only his skills could match his desire! The USMNT midfielder completed countless bursting runs down the middle of the park, but whenever he had to concretize his effort, disaster struck. 

TIjjani Reijnders – 5.5

Another example of the Dutchman’s poor attitude! No one can question his qualities, but he must take the Milan jersey more seriously if he’s to become the pillar of the new Rossoneri generation. 

Ismael Bennacer – 7

It was sometimes painful to watch the Algerian trying to keep hold of the ball surrounded by a bulk of Torino players without any support from his teammates. But he made his effort worthwhile with the spot-kick strike.

Christian Pulisic – 6

Unfortunate to see his thunderous strike rattle off the crossbar at the start of the second half, but other than that, the winger had a frustrating evening. 

Noah Okafor – 5

If all those flicks and tricks were supposed to make Milan fans animated in Rafael Leao’s absence, well, the mission failed. None of his attempted dribbles or passes made the difference.

Luka Jovic – 2.5

Was he at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino tonight? Maybe his bus was late. 

Substitutes

Rafael Leao – 6.5

Alessandro Florenzi – 6

Olivier Giroud – 4.5

Tommaso Pobega – 5.5