David De Gea saves a penalty in Fiorentina-Milan EPA-EFE/CLAUDIO GIOVANNINI
On Sunday, David De Gea emerged as the hero for Fiorentina in their 2-1 victory over Milan, making two crucial penalty saves that secured a vital win for the Tuscans.
The night was filled with celebrations in Florence as Fiorentina triumphed 2-1 at the Stadio Franchi in a thrilling match that featured three penalty attempts, none of which found the back of the net.
De Gea, the Fiorentina goalkeeper, successfully thwarted two penalty shots: the first from Theo Hernandez in the first half and the second from Tammy Abraham in the second.
Conversely, Mike Maignan denied Italy international Moise Kean, impressively showcasing his abilities in front of Azzurri coach Luciano Spalletti.
For a complete match report from the Stadio Franchi, click here, and see the player ratings below.
Fiorentina vs Milan – player ratings
Fiorentina: De Gea 9; Dodo 6, Comuzzo 6, Ranieri 6.5, Gosens 6.5; Adli 7 (77′ Kouame 5.5), Bove 6, Cataldi 6 (67′ Richardson 6); Colpani 6.5, Gudmundsson 7 (77′ Biraghi 6); Kean 6. Coach: Palladino 6.5.
Best Fiorentina player: De Gea 9 – In what turned out to be Fiorentina’s standout performance of the season, their goalkeeper played an integral role, making three phenomenal saves, including two crucial penalty stops against the Diavoli. With Florence being a city of art and status, he may deserve a statue after this night.
Lowest Fiorentina rating: Kouame 5.5 – Although he was on the pitch for only about 20 minutes, he failed to make a significant impact or relieve pressure on the defence.
Coach: Palladino 6.5 – This was undoubtedly Fiorentina’s finest outing yet this season. He opted for a four-man defensive formation, which saw Cristiano Biraghi starting on the bench. The team displayed aggression all over the field, yet they required De Gea’s extraordinary efforts to secure all three points. Palladino was sent off in the 85th minute and continued to observe the game from the stands.
Milan: Maignan 7; Emerson Royal 5.5, Tomori 5, Gabbia 5, Theo Hernandez 4.5; Pulisic 7 (82′ Chukwueze N/A), Fofana 5.5, Reijnders 6, Leao 5 (72′ Okafor N/A); Morata 5, Abraham 4.5. Coach: Fonseca 5.
Best Milan player: Pulisic 7 – The American international notched his fifth Serie A goal this season, proving to be the top performer for the Rossoneri on the day as well as throughout the current campaign. He deserves more support from his teammates.
Lowest Milan rating: Theo Hernandez 4.5 – His performance was disappointing, not just because of the missed penalty in the first half, but also due to his inconsistent play, which often resulted in him being outpaced by Fiorentina’s attackers.
Milan coach: Fonseca 5 – A number of players are showing signs of fatigue, and the current lack of squad rotation seems detrimental. While Morata and Abraham had success against Inter, the Spaniard may benefit from being positioned closer to the goal in future matches. He is not suited to playing as an attacking midfielder. This is not the ideal way to enter the October break.
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De Gea Shines as Fiorentina Tops Milan 2-1: Player Ratings and Match Highlights
Match Overview
In a thrilling encounter at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, Fiorentina emerged victorious against AC Milan with a scoreline of 2-1. The star of the match was undoubtedly David De Gea, who delivered a stunning performance that secured the three points for Fiorentina. This article will delve into the match highlights, player ratings, and key moments from this exciting clash.
Match Highlights
- First Half: The match kicked off with high intensity, as both teams sought to assert their dominance. Fiorentina took the lead in the 27th minute through a brilliant strike from Adli, setting the tone for the remainder of the half.
- De Gea’s Heroics: Throughout the first half, De Gea made several crucial saves, denying Milan’s attackers and keeping Fiorentina’s lead intact.
- Second Half: Milan equalized in the 54th minute with a well-placed shot from Pulisic, putting the pressure back on Fiorentina.
- Decisive Moments: Gudmundsson scored the winning goal in the 72nd minute, capitalizing on a rebound after another spectacular save from De Gea.
- Final Whistle: The match ended 2-1, with Fiorentina celebrating a hard-fought victory against their rivals.
Player Ratings
| Player | Position | Rating | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| David De Gea | Goalkeeper | 9.5 | Multiple crucial saves, including a penalty stop. |
| Adli | Midfielder | 8.5 | Opened the scoring with a brilliant goal. |
| Pulisic | Forward | 7.5 | Equalized with a clinical finish. |
| Gudmundsson | Forward | 8.0 | Scored the winning goal. |
| Other Players | Various | 6.5 – 7.5 | Solid performances throughout the match. |
Key Moments and Analysis
David De Gea’s Impact
David De Gea’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. Not only did he make several pivotal saves that kept Fiorentina in the game, but his ability to command the area and organize the defense was evident throughout the match. Here are some highlights of his contributions:
- First Half Saves: De Gea made a remarkable diving save to deny a powerful shot from Milan’s striker.
- Penalty Save: His most crucial moment came when he saved a penalty that could have shifted the momentum in favor of Milan.
- Leadership: De Gea’s experience showed as he effectively communicated with his defenders, minimizing defensive errors.
Fiorentina’s Tactical Approach
Fiorentina’s strategy was well-executed, with a focus on quick transitions and solid defensive organization. Key tactical elements included:
- Pressing Game: Fiorentina implemented a high-pressing system, causing problems for Milan’s backline and forcing them into mistakes.
- Midfield Control: The midfield trio of Adli, Bonaventura, and Amrabat dominated possession, allowing Fiorentina to dictate the pace of the game.
- Counter-Attacking Threat: Fiorentina was dangerous on the counter, with Gudmundsson and Adli exploiting the spaces left by Milan’s attacking players.
Milan’s Struggles
Despite a strong squad, AC Milan struggled to break down Fiorentina’s defense. Key issues included:
- Lack of Clinical Finishing: Milan had several opportunities but failed to convert, highlighting their struggles in front of goal.
- Defensive Errors: The Milan defense was caught off guard on multiple occasions, culminating in both Fiorentina goals.
- Midfield Disconnection: There was a noticeable disconnect between Milan’s midfield and attack, leading to a lack of creativity in their offensive plays.
Post-Match Reactions
Following the match, Fiorentina’s coach praised the team for their resilience and highlighted De Gea’s exceptional contribution. Meanwhile, Milan’s manager acknowledged the need for improvements, particularly in finishing and defensive organization.
Statistical Breakdown
| Statistic | Fiorentina | AC Milan |
|---|---|---|
| Shots on Target | 8 | 6 |
| Possession (%) | 52 | 48 |
| Corners | 4 | 3 |
| Fouls | 12 | 15 |
Benefits of a Strong Goalkeeper
David De Gea’s performance highlights the crucial role a goalkeeper plays in a team’s success. Here are some benefits of having a strong goalkeeper:
- Confidence Booster: A reliable goalkeeper boosts the entire team’s confidence, allowing defenders to play with more freedom.
- Match-Winning Performances: As seen in this match, a standout goalkeeper can single-handedly change the outcome of games.
- Leadership Qualities: Experienced goalkeepers often exhibit leadership on the pitch, guiding younger players and organizing defensive strategies.
Conclusion
David De Gea’s standout performance in Fiorentina’s 2-1 victory over AC Milan is a testament to his skill and leadership. With tactical prowess and a strong display from the entire team, Fiorentina secured a vital win in their season. As the season progresses, fans will be eager to see how both teams adapt and improve based on this match.
