AC Milan extended their unbeaten run to 12 games in all competitions with an impressive 2-0 win over Roma at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday night. Goals from Patrick Cutrone and Davide Calabria sealed three important points for the Rossoneri, as they continue to make ground in the battle for European qualification places.
Positives
Milan were defensively solid in the first half, but whatever Gennaro Gattuso said at the break worked wonders. The visitors took control of the game after the interval, scored two classy goals and were deserving of the win in another impressive collective performance.
Negatives
It's difficult to pick any negatives as every player contributed to a crucial win. The Rossoneri were perhaps a little too reserved in the first half, but that will matter little given the result.
Manager rating out of 10
8 -- Another faultless outing for Gattuso from a tactical standpoint, as Milan nullified Roma's threat throughout as his side delivered in a big game. The togetherness and organisation was obvious and that starts with the coach as confidence is also sky-high.
Player ratings out of 10 (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Gianluigi Donnarumma, 7 -- Celebrated his 19th birthday on Sunday, and looked as assured and focused as always. Didn't have a great deal to do, but was alert when called upon.
DF Davide Calabria, 8 -- Aside from scoring his first goal for the club with a clever give-and-go before producing a brilliant finish, he defended resolutely throughout and is starting to show real signs of maturity and consistency.
DF Leonardo Bonucci, 7 -- Another top performance from the captain in ensuring the backline stayed organised, giving little hope to the likes of Patrik Schick or Edin Dzeko in finding a breakthrough for Roma.
DF Alessio Romagnoli, 8 -- The 23-year-old is in the form of his career so far, as he was immense at the back again. Registered countless headers to clear danger, constantly made interceptions and key challenges and was composed in possession.
DF Ricardo Rodriguez, 7 -- Had his hands full with an in-form Cengiz Under, but stood up to the task well and kept things tight on that flank. Looked a little more confident breaking forward and making passes too, was key in the build-up to the first goal.
MF Franck Kessie, 8 -- A dominant performance from the combative midfielder, as he used his physicality and athleticism to win an intriguing midfield battle with Radja Nainggolan, while driving Milan forward at times. He looks like he's getting back to his impressive form from earlier in the season.
MF Lucas Biglia, 7 -- Played a pivotal role in front of the defence as he was consistently making crucial blocks and breaking up play to set Milan on their way to attack. Limited in his passing, but does the job needed in this team.
MF Giacomo Bonaventura, 7 -- Made some clever runs between the lines, and similarly to the team as a whole, became more of a threat in the second half. Perhaps still not as decisive as he would like, but was important in the win.
FW Suso, 7 -- Registered an assist with his brilliant delivery for the first goal, and that came after intense pressure from the Roma players to keep him quiet. He often found himself with his back to the goal, which isn't best suited to his qualities, but still made an important impact in the game.
FW Patrick Cutrone, 8 -- Was quiet for periods of the game, but he stepped up with another big goal to make it 14 for the season. His movement in the box continues to impress, and he started to show signs of being able to offer more in the build-up of play.
FW Hakan Calhanoglu, 7 -- The Turkish international was wasteful at times as he often found himself in dangerous positions and situations but didn't take advantage. To his credit though, he continued to work tirelessly off the ball and was a constant threat throughout.
Substitutions
FW Nikola Kalinic, 6 -- Great assist for the second goal, and had a positive impact off the bench with his hold up play and runs in behind on the counter-attack.
FW Fabio Borini, N/A -- Guilty of missing a great opportunity to continue his goal-scoring run, should have done better.
MF Riccardo Montolivo, N/A -- Only had a few minutes on the field, but looked confident and kept things tidy in possession.
Source: espn.co.uk