Milan Player Ratings vs Bologna: Modric Paints His 40th Birthday with Flying Colors | OneFootball

Milan maintained their strong home form against Bologna with a narrow 1-0 victory in the last game of Sunday’s Serie A schedule. Luka Modric got off the mark at San Siro to hand Massimiliano Allegri’s side a morale-boosting win.

However, it was anything but pretty. Despite creating two decent scoring opportunities in the opening 25 minutes, Milan struggled to gain control of possession. Furthermore, they spent most of the first half chasing behind the ball. To Rossoneri’s credit, they didn’t allow Bologna a clear sight of goal.

Santiago Gimenez and Pervis Estupinan wasted the two best chances for the home team in the first 45 minutes. Milan continued in the same wasteful manner at the start of the second half, but they found a breakthrough just after the hour mark. Modric pounced on Alexis Saelemaekers’ cutback to draw first blood with his first goal in the Rossoneri shirt.

Second-half substitute Samuele Ricci came agonizingly close to doubling Milan’s lead. Unfortunately, his thunderous long-range strike rattled off the post. The woodwork prevented Gimenez from opening his Serie A account for the season, though it wasn’t just bad luck. The Mexican had the goal at his mercy, but he somehow managed to fail.

Bologna finished the game without a shot on target as Milan posted their tenth consecutive home league meeting with the Rossoblu without losing. Let’s look at our player ratings.

Milan (3-5-1-1)

Mike Maignan – 6/10

Untested for the 55 minutes he spent on the pitch, the French goalkeeper didn’t have much to do before picking up an injury. Yet, he didn’t inspire much confidence with the ball at his feet.

Fikayo Tomori – 7/10

Picked up an early booking for a reckless tackle on Santiago Castro but got back on track as the game progressed, delivering another reassuring defensive performance.

Matteo Gabbia – 7/10

While his interventions sometimes felt erratic or clumsy, the Italian held up his end of the bargain, demonstrating no-nonsense defending when needed while dominating in the air.

Strahinja Pavlovic – 8/10

After a first-day horror show against Cremonese, the Serbian colossus returned to his best and looked comfortable both on and off the ball. Made several forward runs, providing depth on the left flank.

Pervis Estupinan – 6/10

Unlucky not to score his first goal for Milan midway through the first half as his curled right-footed effort bounced off the post. However, he was lucky not to pick up a red after making numerous clumsy challenges.

Adrien Rabiot – 7/10

The former Juventus star has every reason to be happy about his Milan debut, even though his offensive plays often lacked the final touch. Nonetheless, his composure brought stability to the Milan midfield.

Luka Modric – 9/10

Days after celebrating his 40th birthday, the ex-Ballon d’Or winner proved he is still at least one step ahead of everyone else on the pitch. In addition to showcasing his trademark vision and flawless passing, Modric gave Milan the win with a poacher’s finish.

Youssouf Fofana – 6/10

The Frenchman’s tireless runs and preparedness to get his hands dirty helped Allegri’s side defend under pressure. Yet, he had no impact on the opposition’s third whatsoever.

Alexis Saelemaekers – 8/10

While the first half was relatively quiet for the Belgian winger, he sprang to life after the break and provided a crucial assist to Modric.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 7/10

Despite playing in a more advanced role, the Englishman was brilliant on numerous occasions, retaining possession in tight spaces and nearly scoring what would’ve been a superb solo goal in the first half.

Santiago Gimenez – 6/10

His wastefulness has become comic. The former Feyenoord striker had at least three clear-cut chances to find the net, and he fluffed his lines each time. Maybe it’s time for Christopher Nkunku to lead Milan’s attack.

Substitutions

Koni De Winter – 7/10

Pietro Terracciano – 6/10

Christian Pulisic – 8/10

Samuele Ricci – 8/10