Sampdoria claimed a 2-2 draw with AC Milan on Saturday night in Serie A, at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.
A goal from Stephan El Shaarawy put the away side ahead within the first 10 minutes, before Stefano Okaka equalised on the stroke of half time.
The home side took the lead through Eder’s close range finish, but a contentious penalty decision saw Milan draw level through Jeremy Menez.
Sampdoria
Sergio Romero – 6 – Trusty
Was beaten by two of Milan’s three shots on target, but couldn’t get anywhere near the strikes. Was reliable in dealing with crosses from either side.
Lorenzo De Silvestri – 6.5 – Requisite
Was solid defensively and tried to influence the game from his right-sided position. Made a few good tackles and covered on crosses from the opposite side where needed.
Matias Silvestre – 6 – Adequate
Was the centre-back who was least involved and therefore impressive on the eye, but that can be a good thing as he made no mistakes.
Daniele Gastaldello – 7 – Firm
Put in a good shift at the heart of the defence and didn’t look to be too troubled by Milan’s attacking options. Made an excellent interception with around 20 minutes left, and then followed it up with a great block on Bonaventura.
Djamel Mesbah – 6.5 – Supporting
Got forward very well and produced a peach of a delivery for Soriano in the first half, which the midfielder wasted.
Roberto Soriano – 5.5 – Wasteful
Forced a save from Lopez late on, with the goalkeeper at full stretch. Wasted a good headed chance earlier on, as well as blazing a shot wildly over the bar from a good position.
Pedro Obiang – 5.5 – Close
Saw his header cannon off the post in the second half, but claims an assist as Eder converted the rebound. Had a good game, and was key in getting Sampdoria moving when Milan sat back after scoring.
Alfred Duncan – 5 – Quiet
Tried his luck a couple of times in making advances into the box, but was generally restricted. Found a lot of space in and around the border of the area.
Manolo Gabbiadini – 6.5 – Involved
Hooked in the cross for Obaka’s goal, after making a dangerous run through the Milan penalty area. Was very involved in the game, making unpredictable movements through the middle as well as his assigned right side.
Stefano Okaka – 7 – Danger
Showed off his immense stamina by continuing to make lengthy runs right up to the final whistle. Scored and then drew the foul to get Bonera sent off. An excellent shift.
Eder – 6.5 – Providing
Was in the right place at the right time to slam home Sampdora’s second, and made some good providing contributions in the first half specifically. Saw a low driven cross tipped away by Lopez when it looked very dangerous.
Substitutes
Luca Rizzo – 5 – Fade
Came onto the pitch in place of the ineffective Duncan, but faded quickly.
Vasco Regini – N/A
Gonzalo Bergessio – N/A
AC Milan
Diego Lopez – 6.5 – Attention
Was well beaten for both of Sampdoria’s goals and can’t be faulted. Made easy saves throughout but also made some crucial interventions on dangerous crosses. Made a top save in the dying minutes to preserve an away point for his side.
Mattia De Sciglio – 6 – Usual
As always, was required to speed down the flank to deliver crosses, but was less successful in doing so than he has been in the past. Made some good defensive decisions, and didn’t give space for crosses.
Philippe Mexes – 4.5 – Bad
Was too slow in tracking back for Obaka’s goal, and will shoulder some of the blame. Also looked like quite a liability throughout, picking up a first-half yellow through bad tackling and looking shaky from then on.
Adil Rami – 6 – Better
Was exposed for the first Sampdoria goal but was better than his partner, making a key block and stepping out of defence to break down attacks before they got too close to the box.
Daniele Bonera – 3 – Hopeless
Looked utterly hopeless at left-back, even more so with the captain’s armband. Okaka run him ragged and the 33-year-old really shouldn’t be expecting another start any time soon, especially over an actual left-back such as Pablo Armero. Sealed a horror show by getting sent off late on.
Michael Essien – 6.5 – Experience
Helped De Jong in securing the midfield against Sampdoria attacks, putting in good work to cover the necessary ground. Didn’t support attacks but that generally isn’t expected of him any more.
Nigel De Jong – 7 – Barrier
Did what he does best, stand in the way and break down attacks. Formed an experienced partnership with Essien and stifled numerous attacks by reading the play well.
Giacomo Bonaventura – 5.5 – Sudden
Was Milan’s only midfielder who looked to provide and get forward, but was unable to do much for the duration of play. Suddenly appeared with around 20 minutes left and came close with a low shot, after having an attempt blocked on the turn.
Keisuke Honda – 4.5 – Nowhere
Provided Menez with a chance, but barely made himself known and was a passenger in the game otherwise. Was subbed off for Torres.
Jeremy Menez – 6.5 – Changed
Despite claiming both a goal and an assist, the Frenchman was actually quite ineffective for the most part. Was a much bigger influence after his goal, where Milan looked to seek the advantage.
Stephan El Shaarawy – 7 – Return
Scored a great goal by producing his trademark in cutting inside, before unleashing a shot into the far corner. Really needed a goal and now has it.
Substitutes:
Fernando Torres – 5 – Tried
The man on big money came on and gave an effort, but didn’t do anything of note.
Andrea Poli – N/A
