AC Milan downed Udinese 2-0 at the San Siro on Sunday afternoon in Serie A.
The hosts thought that they had gone ahead after Adil Rami’s header appeared to have already crossed the line before bouncing into the arms Orestis Karnezis, but there was no goal given and the first period ended as a scoreless stalemate between the two sides.
If fans and neutrals happened to miss the opening 45 minutes, no matter. The second half was full of drama as Udinese saw Maurizio Domizzi sent off, Jeremy Menez converting the resulting penalty, Michael Essien being given his marching orders before finally the former PSG attacker completed his brace to earn all three points.
Did we get our ratings right? Have your say in the comments below.
AC Milan
Diego Lopez – 5 – Bored
One could have forgiven the former Real Madrid ‘keeper from falling asleep at his post. Had really nothing to do for his entire spell on the pitch.
Daniele Bonera – 6 – Competent
Returning from suspension, the veteran defender had a solid game and was not afraid to venture forward to support the attack.
Adil Rami – 6.5 – Unlucky
Was unfortunate to see his headed attempt ultimately ruled out that would have given his side the lead early in the first half.
Philippe Mexes – 6 – Unperturbed
The French international was not troubled much in what was a smooth-sailing day for the ex-Roma man. Kept Di Natale quiet and dealt with any trouble without any fuss.
Pablo Armero – 5 – Careless
His efforts to support the attack saw him neglect his defensive duties, which had his colleagues scrambling to cover on several occasions.
Michael Essien – 6– Fiesty
Did well to patrol the middle of the park, but put his team in a bit of worry after earning his second yellow and dismissal during the latter part of the match.
Marco van Ginkel – 6 – Debut
First appearance at San Siro for the on-loan Chelsea player. Did well and appeared lively during his spell before being substituted near the end.
Keisuke Honda – 7.5 – Decisive
The Japanese international linked up well with both El Shaarawy and Menez and won the penalty that broke the deadlock.
Giacomo Bonaventura – 7 – Thriving
The former Atlanta man has gone from strength to strength since joining the Rossoneri and even got himself an assist for Menez’s second.
Stephan El Shaarawy – 7 – Blistering
Il Faraone had a good first half, showing some of his pace and trickery on the wing and while he slowed down in the second 45 overall put in agood performance.
Jeremy Menez – 8 – Star
Quiet in the first half, Menez did what was expected and converted a penalty before sealing all three points after linking up well with Bonaventura.
Substitutes
Giampaolo Pazzini – N/A
Late substitute for Menez and had an effort on goal.
Andrea Poli – N/A
Late substitute for Honda.
Riccardo Montolivo – N/A
Introduced in last few minutes after his lengthy injury lay-off.
Udinese
Orestis Karnezis – 7 – Valiant
Despite being on the losing side on the afternoon, the Greek shot-stopper could do nothing about the two goals. Still did well to keep the score-line down by dealing well with the numerous crosses and shots that came his way.
Ivan Piris – 6 – Solid
Did decently on defense and tried to stick to his man, despite not being able to help out offensively.
Thomas Heurtaux – 5 – Ineffective
Not a good day at the office for the Frenchman as he struggled to deal with the likes of El Shaarawy, Honda, and Menez.
Danilo – 6 – Slow
While he made some good interceptions he was unable to deal with the pace of El Shaarawy and Menez.
Maurizio Domizzi – 5 – Aggravated
Did fairly to deal with Honda and Bonera’s ventures forward until conceding the penalty that turned the tables against his side.
Allan – 5 – Futile
Nothing of note, was unable to have any real impact as his side struggled to get back into the game.
Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu – 6 – Hustling
Put himself about well as he supported both the attack and contributed defensively. Earned himself a caution for a foul.
Guilherme – 5 – Overrun
Was unable to establish himself in the middle of the park and was often on the losing end against the Rossoneri’s midfield.
Panagiotis Kone – 5 – Unimpressive
A couple of speculative efforts that were not going to trouble Diego Lopez one bit, and did contribute much.
Antonio Di Natale – 5 – Frustrated
The veteran attacker, who netted his 200th Serie A goal recently, was starved of service and was hauled off after Domizzi’s red card.
Cyril Thereau – 4.5 – Disappointing
Did little to contribute to his team’s attack both when they were level and had a couple of poor efforts on goal.
Substitutes
Giovanni Pasquale – 5 – Capable
Did little wrong on the pitch after being introduced in lieu of Di Natale following Domizzi’s expulsion.
Bruno Fernandes – N/A
Alex Geijo – 5– Attempt
Late substitution for Guilherme and had an effort on goal that went wide.
