Milan Player Ratings vs Cagliari: Rossoneri Run Riot at Dead Silent San Siro

Milan put a four-game winless run in Serie A to bed with a comprehensive 5-1 home victory against relegation-battling Cagliari. Rafael Leao’s introduction from the bench at the start of the second half was too much to handle for Claudio Ranieri’s team.

Determined to voice their frustration with the Milan board, fans decided against providing vocal support tonight.

Pioli’s experimental lineup stuttered against Cagliari’s stubborn defense in a muted atmosphere at San Siro. Despite dominating possession, Milan found clear-cut chances hard to come by before Ismael Bennacer broke the deadlock in the 36th minute. The Algerian poked home a fortunate rebound to score his first Serie A goal since May 2023.

Milan could’ve doubled their lead at the start of the second half, but substitute Rafael Leao hit the crossbar from point-blank range. Shortly after failing to convert a golden chance, Leao served Christian Pulisic on a platter, with the United States captain beating the Cagliari keeper one-on-one to make it 2-0. 

It didn’t take long before Cagliari replied. Nahitan Nandez slipped past Yunus Musah to get on the end of Gabriele Zappa’s teasing cross and beat the helpless Marco Sportiello. The Sardinians’ comeback hopes didn’t last long. Tijjani Reijnders scored an absolute beauty from distance to restore Milan’s two-goal cushion in the 74th minute.

It was Leao’s turn to pour more misery on Cagliari as his burst of pace proved unbearable for the visiting defense. He rounded past the keeper to slot the ball into an empty net. Moments later, Pulisic completed his brace with another fine finish. Let’s look at our player ratings.

Milan (4-3-3)

Marco Sporitello – 7.5

After several outstanding performances in Mike Maignan’s absence, the second-choice goalkeeper finally didn’t have too much work. But he still pulled off several impressive saves to deny Cagliari a chance to make a comeback. 

Pierre Kalulu – 6

Back to the starting XI after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, the Frenchman looked rusty and out of energy, especially when asked to defend against Nahitan Nandez.

Matteo Gabbia – 6

There’s no valid explanation for that first-half yellow card that will rule him out of next week’s trip to Torino. It’s no surprise Pioli took him off at halftime.

Malick Thiaw – 7

Amidst talks Milan want to build their defense around him, the German youngster delivered a sturdy performance, dealing with the pacey Zito Luvumbo like a boss. 

Alessandro Florenzi – 5.5

Sometimes, it feels like he has no clue where he is on the field, firing senseless shots from long range instead of passing. His set-piece delivery was awful. 

Yunus Musah – 4

Do you remember Beyblade? That’s perhaps the most accurate description of the USMNT midfielder’s showing. He only stops running when he hits the byline. No clue what to do with the ball! 

Ismael Bennacer – 8

It’s been a while since he last scored in Serie A, but he deserved this one for being the only Milan player in the first half to showcase commitment and quality. He did even better in the second half, retaining every possession and picking up a delightful assist.

Tijjani Reijnders – 7

Lackadaisical at times, the Dutchman displayed glimpses of his undeniable talent, but he has to start taking the Milan shirt more seriously. Kudos for the rocket missile, though! 

Christian Pulisic – 7.5

Pioli’s utility man wasn’t comfortable playing on the left in the first half. Immediately after returning to his favorite right flank in the second half, he got on the scoresheet. Added to his tally later on.

Samuel Chukwueze – 6

The Nigerian showed determination, energy, and willingness to take on his markers. However, his final touch let him down on every occasion, leading to his halftime withdrawal.

Olivier Giroud – 4.5

It was a frustrating first half for the outgoing striker, as his teammates couldn’t pick him out in the penalty area. 

Substitutes

Fikayo Tomori – 6.5

Rafael Leao – 8

Noah Okafor – 5.5

Theo Hernandez – 7

Tommaso Pobega – 6.5