A.S. Roma vs AC Milan

Italian football is renowned for its passionate supporters, tactical brilliance, and the intense rivalry between clubs. When AS Roma faces off against AC Milan, it’s not just a game; it’s a clash of titans, a battle for supremacy. In this article, we delve into the recent encounter between these two giants of Italian football, analyzing the performance of individual players and assigning ratings based on their contributions to the thrilling spectacle.

Defenders:

AS Roma:

1. Chris Smalling (7/10): Solid at the back, Smalling marshaled the defense effectively, thwarting several Milan attacks with his aerial prowess and timely interceptions.
2. Leonardo Spinazzola (8/10): Spinazzola was a constant threat down the left flank, providing width and defensive stability. His blistering pace troubled Milan’s defense throughout the game.
3. Roger Ibañez (6.5/10): Despite a few lapses in concentration, Ibañez showcased his defensive abilities with crucial tackles and interceptions. However, he needs to work on his decision-making under pressure.
4. Rick Karsdorp (7.5/10): Karsdorp was a revelation on the right flank, combining defensive solidity with attacking intent. His crosses troubled Milan’s defense and created opportunities for his teammates.

AC Milan:

1. Theo Hernández (7.5/10): Hernández posed a constant threat with his marauding runs down the left wing. While defensively sound, he could have been more clinical with his final delivery.
2. Simon Kjær (7/10): Kjær marshaled Milan’s defense admirably, organizing the backline and making crucial interceptions. However, he struggled at times against Roma’s high press.
3. Fikayo Tomori (6.5/10): Tomori showcased glimpses of his defensive prowess but was caught out of position on occasion. He needs to improve his communication with teammates to avoid defensive lapses.
4. Davide Calabria (6.5/10): Calabria provided defensive stability but was often bypassed by Roma’s attacking threats. He needs to work on his positioning and anticipation to become more effective.

Midfielders:

AS Roma:

1. Jordan Veretout (8.5/10): Veretout was the standout performer in midfield, dictating play with his passing range and vision. His goal from the penalty spot capped off a stellar performance.
2. Bryan Cristante (7/10): Cristante provided a physical presence in midfield, breaking up Milan’s attacks and distributing the ball efficiently. However, he lacked creativity in the final third.
3. Lorenzo Pellegrini (8/10): Pellegrini pulled the strings in midfield, orchestrating Roma’s attacks with his intelligent movement and incisive passing. His assist for Roma’s second goal was a testament to his quality.
4. Gonzalo Villar (7/10): Villar showcased his technical ability with neat touches and quick passing. However, he needs to be more assertive in midfield battles to dominate the opposition.

AC Milan:

1. Franck Kessié (7.5/10): Kessié was a driving force in midfield, breaking up Roma’s attacks and driving forward with purpose. His work rate was commendable, but he lacked support from his midfield partners.
2. Sandro Tonali (6.5/10): Tonali struggled to impose himself on the game, often losing possession in dangerous areas. He needs to improve his decision-making and positional awareness to fulfill his potential.
3. Brahim Díaz (7/10): Díaz showed flashes of brilliance with his dribbling skills and close control. However, he was unable to provide the cutting edge in the final third, missing a golden opportunity to equalize.
4. Ismaël Bennacer (6.5/10): Bennacer struggled to cope with Roma’s intensity in midfield, often losing duels and misplacing passes. He needs to be more composed under pressure to influence games consistently.

Forwards:

AS Roma:

1. Tammy Abraham (8/10): Abraham led the line with authority, holding up the ball well and linking up play with his teammates. His well-taken goal demonstrated his predatory instincts inside the box.
2. Henrikh Mkhitaryan (8/10): Mkhitaryan was a constant threat with his movement and intelligent runs. His goal and assist were crucial in securing Roma’s victory, showcasing his quality in the final third.
3. Eldor Shomurodov (7/10): Shomurodov made a positive impact off the bench, providing energy and enthusiasm in attack. However, he lacked composure in front of goal, squandering a couple of opportunities.

AC Milan:

1. Rafael Leão (7.5/10): Leão caused problems for Roma’s defense with his pace and dribbling ability. However, he was often isolated up front and struggled to make a significant impact.
2. Ante Rebić (7/10): Rebić worked tirelessly upfront, pressing Roma’s defense and creating space for his teammates. However, he lacked service in the final third and failed to test the opposition goalkeeper.
3. Olivier Giroud (6.5/10): Giroud struggled to make an impact after coming on as a substitute, failing to hold up the ball effectively and losing possession cheaply. He needs to improve his fitness levels to contribute more consistently.

Conclusion:

In a thrilling encounter between AS Roma and AC Milan, both teams showcased their quality on the pitch. While Roma emerged victorious with a commanding performance, Milan displayed resilience despite the defeat. The player ratings reflect the contributions of individuals from both sides, highlighting the key performers and areas for improvement. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this performance and strive for success in their pursuit of silverware.