AC Milan put a slight dent in their Serie A title hopes by playing out a 0-0 draw at Torino to reduce their lead at the top to just two points.
AC Milan came into the encounter fully aware that only a win would leave things in their hands moving forward. But they instead managed just a goalless draw, their second consecutive 0-0 result in the league.
The two back-to-back draws have cut Milan’s lead at the top to just two points, with second-placed Inter having one match in hand. Napoli, who were placed second before the matchweek, lost their encounter to Fiorentina on Sunday, which has left Inter in control of the title race. If the Nerazzurri win their match in hand, they will go top of the table.
Milan dominated possession but both teams were well-matched in terms of attack, taking 14 shots each, three of which were on target. The inability of both sides, more so of Milan who possessed better players, to break the deadlock could be credited to the exceptional performances of defenders on both sides.
Torino’s Bremer stood out defensively, making six clearances, four interceptions, three tackles and blocking two shots. While the defender was the hosts’ best player at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, here’s how the Milan players fared in the encounter.
Mike Maignan: 7/10
The AC Milan goalkeeper played a crucial role in helping his team keep a clean sheet. He made three saves, with one crucial stop coming at the start of the second half off Mergim Vojvoda.
?️ The Coach and Tonali reacted to the draw in Turin
?️ Le parole del Mister e di Sandro al termine di #TorinoMilan#SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/rkBayDo7vv
— AC Milan (@acmilan) April 10, 2022
Davide Calabria: 7/10
The AC Milan captain had a solid game, dominating the right flank both defensively and offensively. He made two successful tackles in the encounter and was not shy of bombing up the pitch as Milan tried to find a goal. He played in three crosses and made a key pass as well.
Pierre Kalulu: 6/10
The 21-year-old partnered Fiakyo Tomori well, looked composed on the ball and was one of the reasons Milan kept yet another clean sheet. He also blocked two shots and held his position when his central defensive partner ventured forward.
Fikayo Tomori: 8/10
Tomori was probably Milan’s best player on the pitch. He kept multiple Torino attacks at bay, making five tackles in the match. He also made two clearances, blocked three shots, and made an interception. Tomori was not dribbled past even once, winning five ground duels and three aerial duels.
Theo Hernandez: 6/10
Theo Hernandez had a mixed outing. While he looked assured defensively, there was not much he offered going forward with questionable decision-making in a couple of instances. A bit more composure would have gone a long way in getting him a higher rating.
Sandro Tonali: 6/10
Much more was expected of Tonali in the absence of Ismael Bennacer, but the Italian failed to deliver. He was ineffective for large parts and could not complete telling passes to find a crack in the Torino defence.
Franck Kessie: 6/10
The midfielder is rumoured to be on his way to Barcelona after the current seasonl but his performance against Torino would not impress the Blaugrana. Kessie did his defensive duties well, shielding the defence while blocking two shots and making a clearance as well. But he fell short on the attacking side of things.
Alexis Saelemaekers: 5/10
Saelemaekers did not have the best of outings against Torino and struggled for most parts of the match. His passing was erratic with only 72 per cent of his passes finding a teammate. He did play two key passes but nothing came out of them.
Brahim Diaz: 5/10
Brahim Diaz could not leave his imprint on the game at all, struggling to provide any attacking impetus to the side. It was not surprising that he was subbed off just 10 minutes into the second half.
Rafael Leao: 7/10
Rafael Leao was possibly Milan’s best player attacking wise. The winger was enterprising going forward, trying to make inroads into the Torino defence with his pace and trickery. Four of his six dribble attempts were successful but there was no end product to his moves, which Milan dearly missed.
Olivier Giroud: 6/10
Giroud was almost always involved when Milan constructed an attack. The duels between him and Bremer were probably the highlight of the match. He won 10 of the 12 aerial duels he was involved in to cap off a decent night.
SUBSTITUTES
Junior Messias: 5/10
Messias came on for Brahim Diaz in the 55th minute but could not make any telling effect on the game. He attempted just six passes in the match but made some good chances for his side. He could have been more influential had he come on earlier.
Rade Krunic: N/A
Krunic came on for Tonali in the 82nd minute but made just two touches of the ball.
Matteo Gabbia: N/A
Gabbia came on in the 87th minute for Tomori but did not do enough to warrant a rating.
