Player Ratings: Fiorentina 1-2 AC Milan – Maignan at his best; Leao decisive

Calabria (6.5): He handled his 1v1 very well on the right flank and was also quite involved in the build-up, offering support for Chukwueze and sometimes drifting inside as well.

Thiaw (5.5): The German was carded after a rather clumsy challenge and it made sense to take him off at half-time. The rating might seem harsh, but the 22-year-old still doesn’t look like the confident and sleek player we saw at the start of 2023.

Tomori (6): There is no doubt that his positioning could have been better on Fiorentina’s goal, and he was also caught sleeping on a few other occasions. He ended up making a couple crucial clearances, in fairness, but he can do a lot better.

Florenzi (6): An okay performance with some good and bad moments, offering the most when going forward. Ikone had a good time initially on that flank, but the veteran ended up winning some of the 1v1s towards the end.

Bennacer (6): The Algerian made a huge mistake in the first half, which should have resulted in a Fiorentina goal, and he was also caught sleeping when Milan conceded. He was very important on other fronts, though, winning quite a few 50/50 duels and imposing himself in the aerial duels as well.

Reijnders (7): He looked very confident from the get-go, as you would expect after the displays with the Netherlands, and that assist for Leao was just lovely. He combined very well with his teammates throughout the game and he’s certainly a different player in front of goal these days.

Chukwueze (7): A very nice performance by the Nigerian, putting Fiorentina in trouble whenever he got on the ball. He was also involved in the first goal and perhaps should have had an assist when he set up Giroud early on. Something to build on for sure.

Loftus-Cheek (7.5): Aside from the crucial opener, he was consistently great in the 50/50 duels and used his strength in the best way possible. This makes such a difference for Milan and naturally frustrates the opponent a lot.

Leao (7.5): Did he look sluggish at times? Yes, but at the end of the day, he left Artemio Franchi with a goal and an assist. You can’t ask for anything more, especially since Giroud missed a sitter which the winger created.

Giroud (5.5): He struggled to combine with his teammates and was outbodied too many times, especially when in possession. The aforementioned miss from close range was indeed a big one, and it wasn’t the only good chance either for him this evening.

Substitutes

Gabbia (6.5): He came on and did what was needed, plus a little more. Fiorentina really pushed for the equaliser and the Italian made some crucial blocks/clearances in front of goal.

Okafor (6): We didn’t see that much of him, truth be told, but he did use his comfortability on the ball to calm things down for Milan.

Musah (6): The American covered a lot of ground, just like you would expect, and certainly helped see out the game for Milan.

Pulisic (6): It perhaps wasn’t the best situation for him, but he worked hard and had a good shot towards the end which was saved.

Jovic (N/A): We didn’t see enough to give him a rating.

The manager 

Pioli (6.5): The starting XI pretty much picked itself, truth be told, but Milan had some interesting tactical solutions this evening and overall, they worked well. The Rossoneri really should have scored in the first half and the goal conceded was due to a collective lapse of concentration. Giroud should have been subbed off way earlier, though.