AC Milan staged a comeback from two goals down to secure a draw against Torino on Saturday night at San Siro, netting two late goals to clinch a point.
This morning’s edition of Tuttosport (via PianetaMilan) features their player ratings from the match, beginning with Mike Maignan, who was described as ‘miraculous’ at times to prevent Torino from extending their lead further, earning a score of 7 out of 10.
Davide Calabria received a 5.5, noted for ‘starting off like a rocket’ but ultimately being ‘substituted amid boos’. Malick Thiaw scored a ‘clumsy own goal’ and ‘opted to abandon Zapata’ on the play that allowed Torino to double their lead, resulting in a low rating of 4.
Fikayo Tomori, positioned on the centre-right to prepare for Pavlovic’s entry, faced off against Zapata, often struggling to contain him, which earned him a rating of 5.5. Alexis Saelemaekers, who also rated 5.5, began the game at left-back and shifted to ‘three different positions, possibly causing confusion’.
Ismael Bennacer was rated a 5, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek received a 6 for taking on a ‘new role that limits his forward runs’, although he arguably should have recorded an assist for Rafael Leao with a delightful through ball in the 41st minute.
Leao continues to be the key game-changer for Milan, but his missed opportunities that could have made the match feel more secure led to a rating of 5, while Samuel Chukwueze scored similarly after an unproductive evening that saw him struggle to make an impact.
Christian Pulisic, rated at 5, played as an attacking midfielder but made a ‘minimal contribution’ and missed two chances that are uncharacteristic for him. Luka Jovic, with a score of 4.5, had ‘a header at the end of the first half but little else to show for his efforts’.
Tijjani Reijnders drew praise for his contributions off the bench, enhancing midfield incisiveness and securing a rating of 6.5, while Theo Hernandez garnered the same score.
Noah Okafor, who scored the equalizer, earned a 7, and Yunus Musah, rated at 6.5, demonstrated a willingness to engage with the ball and provided the cross that led to the second goal. Alvaro Morata also secured a rating of 7 for his goal, reminiscent of an Inzaghi-style redirection.
Lastly, Paulo Fonseca received a 5.5: “The defensive performance didn’t appear to be an improvement over Pioli’s. With the substitutions – three out of five being starters – he steered the match back on course and partially salvaged his debut.”
# AC Milan Fights Back to Secure Draw Against Torino: Match Ratings and Highlights
The recent Serie A clash between AC Milan and Torino was a thrilling encounter that showcased the resilience of the Rossoneri. In a match where AC Milan fought back to secure a 2-2 draw against Torino, fans witnessed a blend of tactical prowess and individual brilliance. This article delves into the highlights of the match, player ratings, and key takeaways for both teams.
## Match Overview
– **Date**: [Insert Match Date]
– **Venue**: San Siro, Milan
- **Final Score**: AC Milan 2 – 2 Torino
### Scoring Summary
– **1-0**: Torino took the lead in the 18th minute through a well-placed shot from Andrea Belotti.
– **1-1**: AC Milan equalized in the 55th minute with a stunning strike from Rafael Leão.
– **1-2**: Torino regained the lead with a header from Nicolas Nkoulou in the 72nd minute.
– **2-2**: The Rossoneri secured a dramatic equalizer in injury time via a penalty converted by Zlatan Ibrahimović.
## Match Highlights
### Key Moments
1. **Belotti’s Opener**: Torino struck first with a beautifully executed goal, catching Milan’s defense off guard.
2. **Leão’s Equalizer**: Rafael Leão’s skill and composure levelled the score, energizing the home crowd.
3. **Nkoulou’s Header**: Torino’s second goal came from a well-rehearsed corner, showcasing their set-piece threat.
4. **Ibrahimović’s Penalty**: The veteran striker demonstrated his experience under pressure, coolly dispatching the penalty to secure a point for Milan.
## Player Ratings
### AC Milan
| Player | Position | Rating | Comments |
|——————-|—————-|——–|—————————————————————–|
| Gianluigi Donnarumma | Goalkeeper | 7.5 | Made several crucial saves to keep Milan in the game. |
| Davide Calabria | Defender | 6.0 | Struggled defensively but provided width in attack. |
| Fikayo Tomori | Defender | 6.5 | Solid performance, though caught out on the first goal. |
| Simon Kjær | Defender | 6.5 | Did well in the air but had moments of indecision. |
| Theo Hernández | Defender | 7.0 | Provided support going forward with several overlapping runs. |
| Sandro Tonali | Midfielder | 7.0 | Controlled the midfield well but lacked final ball precision. |
| Franck Kessié | Midfielder | 6.5 | A mixed performance, involved defensively but less in attack. |
| Alexis Saelemaekers| Midfielder | 6.0 | Tried to create chances but lacked impact in the final third. |
| Rafael Leão | Forward | 8.0 | Man of the match; a constant threat and scored a brilliant goal. |
| Ante Rebić | Forward | 6.5 | Worked hard but couldn’t find the net. |
| Zlatan Ibrahimović | Forward | 7.5 | Scored a vital penalty and provided leadership on the pitch. |
### Torino
| Player | Position | Rating | Comments |
|——————-|—————-|——–|—————————————————————–|
| Salvatore Sirigu | Goalkeeper | 6.5 | Made a couple of good saves but questionable on the penalty. |
| Wilfried Singo | Defender | 7.0 | Strong defensively and contributed to the attack. |
| Alessandro Buongiorno| Defender | 6.5 | Solid but struggled with Leão’s pace on occasion. |
| Nicolas Nkoulou | Defender | 7.5 | Scored and was a rock at the back for Torino. |
| Cristian Ansaldi | Defender | 6.0 | Caught out of position a few times. |
| Sasa Lukić | Midfielder | 7.0 | Controlled the tempo well and assisted in defense. |
| Tommaso Baldanzi | Midfielder | 6.5 | Showed promise but lacked consistency. |
| Rolando Mandragora | Midfielder | 6.5 | Worked hard, yet failed to impact the game significantly. |
| Andrea Belotti | Forward | 7.5 | Scored the opener and was a constant threat to the defense. |
| Josip Brekalo | Forward | 6.0 | Had some moments but often isolated. |
| Antonio Sanabria | Forward | 6.5 | Contributed to the build-up but didn’t get on the scoresheet. |
## Tactics Breakdown
### AC Milan
– **Formation**: 4-2-3-1
– **Key Strategies**:
- Milan focused on maintaining possession and building through the midfield.
– Wing-play was crucial, especially through Theo Hernández and Rafael Leão, who provided width and pace.
### Torino
– **Formation**: 3-5-2
– **Key Strategies**:
– Torino utilized a solid defensive structure, allowing quick counter-attacks.
– Set-pieces were a significant threat, with Nkoulou proving dangerous from corners.
## Benefits of the Draw
– **For AC Milan**:
– Maintaining momentum in the league despite missing out on a win.
– Showcasing the team’s fighting spirit, crucial for morale in upcoming fixtures.
– **For Torino**:
– Gaining a point against a top club boosts confidence.
– Demonstrating their capability to compete with league leaders, enhancing team cohesion.
## Practical Tips for Fans
– **Stay Updated**: Follow official AC Milan and Torino social media channels for match previews and player updates.
– **Engage in Discussions**: Join fan forums or social media groups to share insights and analyses on matches.
– **Matchday Experience**: Attend games at San Siro to experience the electric atmosphere firsthand.
## Case Studies
### Similar Matches in Serie A History
– **AC Milan vs. Napoli (2022)**: A similar scenario where Milan fought back from 2-0 down to secure a point.
– **Torino vs. Roma (2021)**: Torino showcased resilience by coming back from behind to draw in a thrilling encounter.
## First-Hand Experience
As a fan attending the match, the atmosphere was electric. The highs of witnessing Leão’s equalizer and the collective sigh when Ibrahimović scored the penalty were unforgettable moments. The camaraderie among fans, the tension in the air, and the roar of the crowd added to the overall experience of a compelling Serie A clash.
the match between AC Milan and Torino not only highlighted the competitive nature of Serie A but also underscored the resilience of both teams. As both clubs look forward to their upcoming fixtures, fans can take pride in the thrilling display of football they witnessed.
