Milan Player Ratings vs Roma: Toothless Attack Overshadowed by Calamitous Defending

Milan failed to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit in their Europa League quarter-final tie, losing 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico to end their continental adventure. It was another bleak showing from Rossoneri, whose defensive blunders propelled Daniele De Rossi’s side into the semi-finals.

Stefano Pioli’s defense looked up the creek without a paddle again as Roma took advantage of Milan’s sluggish start to put clear daylight between the sides. Left unmarked near the six-yard box, Gianluca Mancini, who scored in the first leg, pounced on a fortunate rebound after Lorenzo Pellegrini struck the woodwork to put Giallorossi in front.

It didn’t take long before Milan conceded another one. Matteo Gabbia’s disastrous attempted clearance fell nicely for Paulo Dybala. The Argentine had enough time and space inside the box to set his crosshair and pick out a far bottom corner with pinpoint precision. At that point, everything seemed lost for Rossoneri.

However, Zeki Celik threw Milan a lifeline. Referee Szymon Marciniak gave the Turkish defender his marching orders in the 31st minute for a cynical challenge on Rafael Leao. Despite going a man up, Pioli’s side looked toothless in the front third, failing to create a single presentable opportunity before the break.

Except for two half-chances for Luka Jovic, Milan did almost nothing to capitalize on their numerical advantage in the second half before Gabbia’s consolation goal and deservedly waved goodbye to Europe.

Milan (4-2-3-1)

Mike Maignan – 5.5

While Roma goals weren’t his fault, his appearance this evening brimmed with insecurity.

Davide Calabria – 3.5

Calmness and class are mandatory for a Milan captain, none of which were on display tonight as Calabria delivered another erratic performance before being subbed off at halftime.

Matteo Gabbia – 3

Failed to learn his lesson in the first leg as Lukaku continued to bully him in the early exchanges. Luckily, the Belgian had to come off due to injury. His wayward clearance turned into an assist for Dybala. It would’ve been a ‘2’ if it wasn’t for the goal.

Fikayo Tomori – 4

If he’s Milan’s best defender, Rossoneri are in serious problems. Dominated by Tammy Abraham, he was caught out of possession several times and had to make numerous needless fouls, helping Roma run down the clock.

Theo Hernandez – 5

Apart from a vintage ‘Theo run’ in the first half, the Frenchman had almost no impact on the game, even though Milan enjoyed more possession and trusted him to lead the charge on the left.

Yunus Musah – 6.5

It was like the ‘X’ on his Sony PlayStation joystick wasn’t functioning. Every time he got the ball, he had at least two more touches than necessary, though he showcased some fancy footwork on several occasions.

Ismael Bennacer – 5.5

Taken off before halftime as Pioli had to make radical changes at 3-0 down, leaving the pitch without doing anything worth mentioning.

Christian Pulisic – 5.5

After a lively first-half performance on his favorite right wing, the USMNT forward shifted to the middle in the second half due to Pioli’s tactical modifications and completely vanished from the pitch.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 6.5

Unlucky to hit the post with a top-class half-volley shortly after Roma’s opener. Leonardo Spinazzola’s crucial block denied his flying header midway through the first half.

Rafael Leao – 3.5

Virtually invisible in the first half, disappearing from the field when Milan needed him to take responsibility. A slight improvement in the second half, including the assist, wasn’t nearly enough to repair his image tonight.

Olivier Giroud – 3

A near-anonymous showing in his last European game for Milan.

Substitutes

Luka Jovic – 6

Samuel Chukwueze – 6.5

Tijjani Reijnders – 5.5

Noah Okafor – 3

Alessandro Florenzi – 6