Italian Serie A player ratings: Inter Milan 0 – AC Milan 1 (Part 2)
AC Milan
Christian Abbiati – 6
The Milan shot stopper was hardly tested by a toothless Nerazzuri attack as Abbiati dealt comfortably with speculative long shots. However, his distribution leaves a lot to be desired.
Ignazio Abate – 6
The full back was pointed as the weak link in Rossoneri backline and indeed he got a yellow card for persistent fouling on Eto’o in the 10th minute. However, Abate dealt admirably with Eto’o until his temper got the better of him as he got his
marching orders with the second yellow card.
Alessandro Nesta – 7.5
The ageless legend put in another sublime shift in the heart of defence and had Diego Milito under shackles in the first half. Nesta used all the years of experience to counter the pace of Coutinho and Eto’o as Milan were camped in their own area for much
of the second half.
Thiago Silva – 7
The Brazilian clearly relishes having Nesta alongside him and it showed last night. Silva stood tall amidst Inter barrage towards the end and perfectly complemented his defensive partner with some strong tackles and clearances.
Gianluca Zambrotta – 6
The Veteran started the game on the left instead of Antonini and did his first team chances no harm with an assured display. Swapped flanks with Antonini following Abate’s sending off and completed his defensive duties with aplomb. However, having said that,
Zambrotta’s contribution in the attacking department was minimal.
Mathieu Flamini – 6
After two disappointing years with Rossoneri, the Frenchman is finally putting in some impressive displays and last night was no different. Flamini covered every blade of grass while supporting the attack and also simultaneously doing his defensive duties.
Massimo Ambrosini – 7
The Milan skipper rolled back the years with a highly energetic display where he was a colossus in the middle of the park. Ambrosini covered the Milan back line by continuously closing down the likes of Sneijder and Countinho.
Gennaro Gattuso – 5
Gattuso tried his best to stamp his authority on the game but emotions got the better of him at times. Allegri substituted the midfield battler in the second half as Gattuso was on verge of getting his second yellow card with a series of fouls.
Clarence Seedorf – 7
Following a poor start to the campaign, Seedorf has put together a sting of impressive performances and last night was no different. The former Inter playmaker controlled the tempo of the game and linked up well with Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Rossoneri attack.
Robinho – 5
Robinho was a constant nuisance for the Nerazzuri backline with his pace and trickery but his final ball was severely lacking. He was playing at a completely different wavelength compared to Ibrahimovic. Clearly, the Brazilian needs more time with his new
team and with Inzaghi and Pato out injured, he will have plenty of time to prove his worth in the upcoming matches.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 8
Last night, Ibra became only the second player to have scored for both the Milan teams. The lanky Swede won and converted the penalty that proved to be the decisive winner. Apart from his goal, Ibra linked up well with his teammates and held the ball superbly
towards the end of the game to relieve the pressure off Milan back line.
Substitutes:
Luca Antonini – 5.5
Was brought on as a tactical replacement following Abate’s red card and did well with his defensive duties.
Kevin-Prince Boateng – 5.5
Prince was brought on to shore up the Rossoneri midfield in the 73rd minute. Boateng was steady without being spectacular and that was exactly what was needed of him.
Andrea Pirlo – 6
The diminutive midfield maestro replaced Gattuso and Milan were a much better passing team with Pirlo in their ranks.
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