Milan Player Rating vs Lecce: Allegri Era Off & Running | OneFootball

Milan atoned for a dismal 2-1 home loss to Cremonese on the opening Serie A weekend with a well-deserved win at Lecce. Massimiliano Allegri’s side claimed a 2-0 victory at Stadio Via del Mare to restore confidence ahead of September’s international break.

It was nearly a perfect start for Milan as Matteo Gabbia headed home Luka Modric’s cross. However, after reviewing the incident inside Lecce’s penalty area, referee Livio Marinelli ruled the goal out for a foul. Despite being denied an early opener, the Rossoneri continued to dominate the game.

Yet, Wladimiro Falcone was brilliant between the sticks, saving Lecce several times in the first half. Indeed, Milan couldn’t find the net in the opening 45 minutes. They had thought they did so at the hour mark when Santiago Gimenez slotted home a right-footed finish.

Like in round one, the Mexican striker was marginally offside, cutting the visiting fans’ celebrations short. Only six minutes later, Milan finally found a breakthrough. Modric chipped the ball into the box, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek glancing it into the far corner.

Eusebio Di Francesco’s side had a decent chance to fight back, yet Mike Maignan stopped Nikola Stulic’s low shot. Second-half substitute Christian Pulisic landed a hammer blow on Lecce in the 86th minute to settle fans’ nerves going into a two-week hiatus from club football.

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

Milan (3-5-2)

Mike Maignan – 7/10

With Lecce spending most of the game in their opening third, the Frenchman didn’t have much to do. However, he pulled off a vital save when it mattered the most.

Strahinja Pavlovic – 8/10

Following a shaky performance against Cremonese, the towering Serb fared superbly in Apulia, making light work of Santiago Pierotti while keeping his passes clean and sharp.

Matteo Gabbia – 7/10

Unlucky to see his early deadlock-breaker ruled out, the Italian center-back offered a reassuring showing after struggling in the first round. Yet, he lost track of Stulic, which nearly cost Milan dearly.

Fikayo Tomori – 7/10

Like his defensive colleagues, the former Chelsea star had a decent night at Via del Mare, making it impossible for Tete Morente to find space in behind while contributing calmly to the build-up play.

Yunus Musah – 6/10

Deployed out of position, the USMNT midfielder did reasonably well and nearly picked up an assist when he headed the ball back to Loftus-Cheek. However, he desperately lacks composure on the ball.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 8/10

Arguably his best performance since the start of last season. Indeed, the Englishman showed glimpses of his pre-Paulo Fonseca form and grabbed a goal to cap off a scintillating display.

Luka Modric – 8/10

The Croatian veteran is aging like fine wine. His corner-kick delivery set Gabbia up for the disallowed goal before he registered his first assist in the Milan shirt. Pulled all the strings in the middle of the park.

Youssouf Fofana – 6/10

With Modric dictating the tempo and shouldering the creative burden, the Frenchman played a more restrained role, breaking up play when needed but offering little going forward.

Pervis Estupinan – 6/10

Filling Theo Hernandez’s shoes is no small task, yet the Colombian matches the new Al-Hilal’s pace and intensity, though he can still improve defensively.

Alexis Saelemaekers – 5/10

One of Milan’s least effective players tonight. Allegri’s gamble with the Belgian as a second striker didn’t pay off, as he seemed like a chicken with its head cut off.

Santiago Gimenez – 7/10

The ex-Feyenoord talisman cannot catch a break. Two rounds into the new season and he’s had two goals disallowed. But he should’ve scored toward the end of the first half.

Substitutes

Samuele Ricci – 6/10

Christian Pulisic – 7/10

A half-chance was all he needed to put the game to bed. He never lost hope of getting on the end of a loose ball before putting it past Falcone with calm and composure.