Theo Hernandez and Ante Rebic were sensational as AC Milan cruised to a 7-0 win over Torino in Serie A on Wednesday.
AC Milan were hot off the gates and looked like they were close to scoring before they finally broke the deadlock, and it came through a peach of a strike from Theo Hernandez. Shortly after, Samu Castillejo won a penalty after being fouled inside the Torino box, with Franck Kessie making no error in converting from the spot and make it 2-0.
Milan kept pushing forward in search for more goals but had to wait till the 50th minute, as Brahim Diaz scored from close range after being set up by Franck Kessie. Then, at the hour mark, the rampant visitors made it 4-0, with Theo Hernandez on target once again, with Ante Rebic setting him up with a perfectly-weighted through ball.
The Rossoneri did not rest then either, as Rebic went on to complete his hat-trick in a span of 12 minutes to seal a comprehensive 7-0 win. The result means AC Milan remain third ahead of Napoli and Juventus, who remain within touching distance after winning their respective matches. The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Stefano Pioli’s men.
Gianluigi Donnarumma: 7/10
Easy as you like for Donnarumma, who had just one save to make, although it was a big one to deny Gleison Bremer. Was in the best seat in the house to witness the second half rampage, as Milan cruised to a 7-0 win.
Davide Calabria: 7/10
Calabria was not nearly as involved as Theo Hernandez on the left flank, but he did carry a fair bit of threat going forward while remaining solid at the back, winning six duels. Even scored a goal, but his effort was ruled out due to a marginal offside call.
Simon Kjaer: 7/10
A solid performance by Kjaer, who did not let Simone Zaza make any sort of impact whatsoever and was extremely solid at the heart of the AC Milan defence. Most importantly, he had a 93 percent passing rate, which sent the visitors on their way forward efficiently.
Fikayo Tomori: 7/10
Starting at teh heart of the AC Milan defence alongside Kjaer again, Tomori was largely solid, keeping out Federico Bonnazzoli with ease, completing 3 clearances, 2 tackles and a block to help Donnarumma to his clean sheet. Also efficient in playing out from the back, which ensured error-free build-up plays.
Theo Hernandez: 10/10
Theo Hernández has now scored seven goals in Serie A for AC Milan this season.
His best ever return in a single season during his career. ? pic.twitter.com/OfUvit2DZQ
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 12, 2021
A thunderous strike midway through the first half set the tone for a top-notch display and Theo Hernandez was simply brilliant all through his outing on the pitch. Typically carried a threat on his forays down the left flank and produced a sensational ghosting run before converting Ante Rebic’s pass for his second. The leading contender for man of the match, if not for Rebic’s hat-trick.
Franck Kessie: 9/10
Missed his spot-kick last time out against Juventus, but was at hand to convert this time around, with Salvatore Sirigu diving the other way. Colossal in the middle of the park, the Ivorian did not give an inch and won each of the six duels he contested. Even had an impressive 92 percent passing rate while also setting up Brahim Diaz for his goal early in the second half. Class apart.
Ismael Bennacer: 7/10
It is now two successive games that Bennacer has been rather solid in the middle of the park, combining with Kessie superbly to forge a solid partnership. Against Torino, the Algerian played just one half, but was indomitable for the most part, although he seemed to have picked up a knock before being taken off.
Samu Castillejo: 7/10
Back in the starting lineup, Castillejo looked sprightly in the final third and showed tremendous agility before winning the penalty that Kessie converted. Thereafter, there were some wasteful moments from the Spanish winger. Even came close to scoring once, but was denied by the woodwork.
Brahim Diaz: 9/10
Brahim Diaz during this week:
• Goal & penalty won vs Juventus.
• Goal & assist vs Torino.He likes it in Turin. ? pic.twitter.com/KJcvVprR6y
— Madrid Xtra. (@MadridXtra) May 12, 2021
Retaining his spot in the side, Diaz was a bundle of energy and grabbed the assist for the first goal that Theo Hernandez scored. The Spaniard often ran rings around the Torino defence, completing just about every pass he attempted while also scoring a goal himself, when set up by Kessie early in the second half. Earning his place in the side.
Hakan Calhanoglu: 7/10
Starting on the left flank once again, Calhanoglu was involved in most of the moves for AC Milan during his stay on the pitch, although he does not have a goal or an assist to show for his efforts. Nevertheless, he conducted play smartly and linked up superbly with Diaz and Rebic while also putting in the hard yards off the ball.
Ante Rebic: 10/10
Back in the side in place of an injured Zlatan Ibrahmiovic, Rebic, who was the Player to Watch in our preview, was absolutely superb on the night. Always looked to make things happen when on the ball and he created a couple of big chances, one of which was converted by Hernandez. Rebic, though, stole the show in the final quarter of the game with a hat-trick, producing three composed finishes to complete a memorable evening.
⚽️ 67’
⚽️ 72’
⚽️ 79’Ante Rebic has scored his first ever hat-trick for AC Milan against Torino. ? pic.twitter.com/yqazhQEicI
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 12, 2021
SUBSTITUTES
Soualiho Meite: 7/10
On for Bennacer at half-time, Meite continued from where the Algerian had left off, winning 5 duels while also completing all but four passes that he attempted. The Torino loanee was also involved in the build-up to the sixth Milan goal, sending Leao on his way before Rebic scored.
Rade Krunic: 7/10
Top-notch cameo by Krunic, who was on the pitch just for a couple of minutes before he provided the assist for Rebic. Also ended up being involved in the final Milan goal, helping Rebic complete his hat-trick.
Diogo Dalot: 7/10
A solid effort by Dalot, who kept a check on Wilfried Singo superbly while also being involved in the build-up to the seventh goal that Milan scored, which completed Rebic’s hat-trick.
Rafael Leao: 7/10
A bright cameo by Leao, who set up Rebic for his second goal at the end of a fine run. Hardly saw the ball otherwise, just completing two other passes.
Mario Mandzukic: N/A
A late introduction in place of Rebic, Mandzukic hardly had time on the pitch to make an impact.
