AC Milan recover well in the second half, scoring three goals on their way to a 4-1 win over Empoli.
Here is how we rated the individual performances of the Rossoneri on Saturday.
Goalkeeper
Gianluigi Donnarumma (6.0): Donnarumma once again looked a bit nervy. He drifted too far out of his area, deflecting the ball to Saponara who found the equalizer in the first half. The teen looked slightly better with his feet tonight and no doubt having Romagnoli back helped.
Defenders
Ignazio Abate (6.5): The Italian turned in a serviceable performance against Empoli. He got forward enough to get involved but did not drift too far to allow Empoli to counter effectively. Abate’s assist on Suso’s goal was nicely delivered. Overall, not much to complain about if you are a Milan supporter.
Gustavo Gomez (6.5): The Paraguayan looked better overall tonight alongside Romagnoli than he did with Paletta last week. The magnitude of the match was certainly different but it was a positive display nonetheless. He made some clearances and did well to work with Donnarumma in the passing game.
Alessio Romagnoli (7.5): Milan’s star man returned to the starting XI tonight, and it was business as usual. Romagnoli was a calming influence on the match for the Rossoneri who thrive off possession. A great showing for the Azzurri defender who continues to prove just how important he is to the success of the club.
Mattia De Sciglio (6.0): An average performance by De Sciglio. Looked a bit shaky in the back at times, but he was average enough to the point where Empoli could not inflict major damage.
Midfielders
Mario Pasalic (5.5): A pretty poor first half by the Croatian youngster who got the starting nod. He, like many of the midfielders, cheaply gave away possession, but he recovered well enough to salvage his overall rating.
Manuel Locatelli (6.0): Like Pasalic, it was a difficult first half for the youngster Locatelli. The inconsistencies are expected with young talent, so a performance like this is not too shocking. The fact is, Locatelli is still developing and he will grow from this.
Mati Fernandez (n/a): Mati was replaced very early in the first half by Juraj Kucka due to an injury. The player cannot be fully assessed.
Attackers
Suso (8.0): The Spaniard continues to shine for Milan. A brace in the Milan Derby last week was followed up by another stellar showing. One goal and two assists for Suso; four goals, three assists in his last three matches for Milan. Arguably the hottest player in Milan camp as we approach December.
Gianluca Lapadula MOTM (8.5): Suso could have easily been credited with the Man of the Match award here, but Gianluca Lapadula is the deserved winner. In place of the struggling Carlos Bacca, “Lapagol” bagged his first ever Serie A brace in the 4-1 win over Empoli. A first half goal opened the scoring Saturday night but his second was the nail in the coffin. Lapadula’s link-up play with Abate on Suso’s goal is an invaluable component of his game that Milanisti have grown to love over the past few weeks. With the Italian bomber playing with such confidence, and Bacca struggling, Montella now has to decide on who should front the attack to end the year.
Giacomo Bonaventura (7.5): Jack was once again superb for Milan, this time out on the left wing in place of M’Baye Niang. His dribbling put Empoli’s back-line in a tizzy all match and his solo effort that lead to the third goal was as impressive a run as you’ll see from any at his position. The engine that keeps the Rossoneri moving.
Substitutes
Juraj Kucka (5.5): The Slovakian replaced the injured Mati Fernandez early on, but failed to have a major impact on the match. His bullying in the middle of the park is often celebrated but only when it’s controlled. Some inexcusable fouls were not detrimental but its a bit worrisome.
M’Baye Niang (n/a): A few chances on the ball late in the final third, but overall, he did not see enough pitch time to make a proper assessment.
Andrea Poli (n/a): Poli was not on the pitch enough to make a proper assessment.
Keep up with the latest Italian football news by following Italian Football Daily on Twitter.
The post Matchday 14: AC Milan player ratings v Empoli appeared first on IFD.