Player Ratings: Milan 3-1 Bologna – Gimenez Fires on All Cylinders | OneFootball

Milan completed another signature comeback under Sergio Conceicao to beat Bologna 3-1 in the opening game of Serie A Matchday 36. In doing so, the Rossoneri posted their first league victory at Stadio San Siro since mid-March.

Milan have found form in recent weeks, but it’s probably too little too late to salvage their dream of securing European qualification via a league placing. Seeking revenge for a 2-1 defeat in January’s reverse fixture, Sergio Conceicao’s side entered the round on a three-game winning streak, albeit without a win across their last three outings at San Siro.

Chances were at a premium in the opening 45 minutes, with Benjamin Dominguez wasting the most promising opportunity midway through the first half. Mike Maignan made a terrific save to send Milan level on goals into halftime. However, Riccardo Orsolini opened the scoring immediately after the break with a delightful strike from the edge of the box.

Furthermore, Milan lost Fikayo Tomori to injury less than 15 minutes into the game. Conceicao, who had to sub on Malick Thiaw, made a triple change try turn things around just after the hour mark. It quickly paid off as Santiago Gimenez returned to the scoresheet off the bench to draw the Rossoneri level in the 73rd minute.

Christian Pulisic went from a provider into a goalscorer in only six minutes to complete the comeback. Bologna made a valiant attempt to pull one back, forcing Maignan to make another superb save to deny Nicolo Cambiaghi from close range. Gimenez punished the Italian’s miss with his second of the night to seal the deal for the home team.

Without further ado, let’s look at our player ratings.

Milan (3-4-2-1)

Mike Maignan – 6.5

The Frenchman displayed impressive reflexes to thwart Dominguez, yet Orsolini gave him no chance. Stunning late save to rescue all three points for Milan!

Strahinja Pavlovic – 6

Too slow for the Bologna talisman, Pavlovic couldn’t close Orsolini down in time, allowing the Italian enough space to beat Maignan.

Matteo Gabbia – 7

Thijs Dallinga was nowhere to be seen, largely thanks to the Italian center-back’s outstanding performance.

Fikayo Tomori – N/A

It’s a pity he had to come off early after a bright start.

Theo Hernandez – 5.5

He’s still adjusting to Conceicao’s new formation. The star wingback wasn’t anywhere near his level from recent games.

Tijjani Reijnders – 6

The Dutchman is such an elegant player, yet it felt like he took the game too casually.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 5.5

A lengthy spell on the sidelines took its toll as the towering midfielder struggled for impact and was merely a shadow of the player he was last season. Silly booking!

Alejandro Jimenez – 6

Unlike Hernandez, the young Spaniard ventured forward on every occasion and wasn’t afraid to take his marker one-on-one. However, he must work on his composure.

Joao Felix – 6

Very nonchalant on the ball, Felix demonstrated some nifty touches but never produced any danger in the final third, offering another bloodless showing. Unconvincing!

Christian Pulisic – 7.5

Milan desperately needed their most productive forward, but this wasn’t the USMNT winger’s night for the most part. Few things went his way until he tied up Gimenez for the equalizer. He then turned the game on its head with an ice-cold finish.

Luka Jovic – 5.5

Despite promising signs in the link-up play, the Serb never had a chance to test Lukasz Skorupski, as Milan failed to create much in the final third.

Substitutes

Malick Thiaw – 6.5

Decent anticipation and well-timed tackles highlighted the German’s satisfying performance. Erratic on the ball though.

Kyle Walker – 6

Samuel Chukwueze – 6.5

Santiago Gimenez – 8

Scored two and had one disallowed for offside in less than half an hour. Super-sub!