AC Milan have put a poor pre-season to bed after a 3-1 win over Lazio at the San Siro.
Keisuke Honda, Jeremy Menez and Sulley Muntari were all on the scoresheet as the Rossonieri outclassed the capital club with their pace on the flanks, with Stephan El Shaarawy showing some early season promise.
Milan took the initiative from the outset, with Lazio producing a very lacklustre performance in their opening match, which contradicted the form of both clubs recently.
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AC Milan
Diego Lopez – Untroubled – 7
Largely untroubled in goal in what was a very solid debut game for Milan. Saved a penalty late.
Ignazio Abate – Menacing – 6.5
Got forward down the right flank well and made sure to track back. A wonderful cross to assist Muntari, and was involved in the buildup to the penalty. Gave away a penalty late.
Cristian Zapata – Solid – 7
Did well at the heart of defence in partnership with Alex, despite a couple of errant passes. Like most of the other defenders, went to sleep late as Lazio found themselves in a number of attacking chances.
Alex – Strong – 7
Defensively sound in his Milan debut, a rock in the Rossoneri defence. Won every header and was first class with his interceptions. Only blemish was an own-goal late in the match, a mere consolation for the visitors.
Daniele Bonera – Adaptable – 6
Adapted in a left-back role and was effective in negating the influence of Candreva and Keita when they interchanged. Did not offer much going forward however.
Andrea Poli – Hard-working – 7
Ever-present in the Milan thrusts forward, the hard-working Italian was also sure to work defensively. A solid outing by the former Sampdoria man.
Nigel De Jong – Standout – 8
Clearly the best player on the pitch, De Jong was at his uncompromising best, winning challenges, launching counter-attacks and providing a defensive screen for the back four. A very good performance, but tired late.
Sulley Muntari – Resolute – 7
Like Poli, he worked hard both ways on the pitch, and was rewarded for his work with a goal in the 55th minute. Muntari made a late run into the box and was there to tap in the ball from an Abate cross.
Keisuke Honda – Classy – 7
Opened the scoring in the seventh minute and looked a class above in the final third all game. Silky smooth with his movement and always threatening with that left-foot, a terrific performance.
Jeremy Menez – Surprising – 7
His Milan debut was solid as he lead the line in a 4-3-3 formation. He drew fouls, held up the ball and worried the Lazio defence with his pace. Won and scored the penalty in the 62nd minute, albeit a controversial one.
Stephan El Shaarawy – Electric – 8
His pace was electric to set up Honda for the first goal, and perhaps a sign that he is finally returning to his best after several injuries. A constant option down the left-flank, and a worrying presence for the Lazio defence.
Substitutes
Michael Essien – Combative – 5
Replaced Muntari and took on where he left off.
Pablo Armero – Cameo – 4
Was introduced late in the match and had little impact.
Niang – Fiery – 4
Came on late and almost scored instantaneously. A super-sub candidate for this season perhaps.
Lazio
Etrit Berisha – Hapless – 5
Was not helped by his defence in any of the Milan goals, and was largely not at fault. Still, a 3-0 scoreline does not read well for any goalkeeper.
Dusan Basta – Ineffective – 5.5
Was hapless to stop the pace of El Shaarawy, and did not make the Italian work defensively by not getting forward enough.
Stefan De Vrij – Poor – 5 .5
A poor debut for De Vrij, burned for pace by El Shaarawy for the first goal and gave away the penalty, despite it being a harsh call.
Lorik Cana – Outclassed – 5
Another disappointing effort from the other central defender, who went to sleep on too many occasions as Milan’s attackers ran rings around him. Uncertain in possession.
Stefan Radu – Exposed – 5
At times was clumsy with some reckless challenges, and did not offer much going forward. Exposed by Honda.
Marco Parolo – Subdued – 5.5
Need to offer more in the Lazio midfield, was blanketed by the likes of De Jong and Muntari.
Lucas Biglia – Quiet – 6
Did not do enough to combat the presence of De Jong in the Milan midfield.
Senad Lulic – Lacklustre – 5.5
Withdrawn in the 72nd minute after a largely subdued performance in midfield.
Antonio Candreva – Disappointing – 6
Whipped in some enticing crosses, but was hapless to prevent such a poor first up performance by the Capital club. Missed a late penalty.
Miroslav Klose – Non-existent – 5
Was withdrawn in the 59th minute after a lacklustre display. Hardly mustered an attack on goal, but was not alone in the Lazio attack.
Keita – Teasing – 6
Showed glimpses of his exceptional talent, but simply went missing on too many occasions. Withdrawn for Anderson on the hour mark.
Substitutes
Felipe Anderson – Promising – 6
Made a difference when he came on, with his power and pace in midfield.
Filip Djordjevic – Instant impact – 7
A far better performer up front than Klose, with Djordjevic immediately thought to have scored, but his shot was later ruled a deflection and own-goal off Alex.
Stefano Mauri – Handy – 6
Came on late and was involved in a few scoring chances for Lazio.
