AC Milan Player Ratings vs Torino: 7/10 for Giroud, Tonali; Kalulu gets 5

Olivier Giroud scored the only goal of the game while Sandro Tonali impressed as AC Milan beat Torino 1-0 at San Siro on Tuesday night in Serie A.

AC Milan moved to the top of the Serie A standings as they defeated Torino 1-0 at San Siro courtesy of a first half strike from summer signing Olivier Giroud.

After a bright start to the game, the Rossoneri broke the deadlock with their first big chance of the night as Rade Krunic diverted a cross into Giroud’s path, who tapped it home to put his team in front. Torino did grow into the game from that point on and had some nice moments on the ball but failed to create anything meaningful.

The Granata did come close on a couple of occasions after the break. Substitute Antonio Sanabria drew a crucial save from Ciprian Tatarusanu, while Dennis Praet saw his deflected strike bounce off the woodwork as Milan held on to their narrow lead and bagged all three points to go past Napoli and take pole position in the standings.

The result means Stefano Pioli’s men are still unbeaten in Serie A this season, and here are our player ratings for the AC Milan stars following the victory over Torino.

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Ciprian Tatarusanu: 6.5/10

Continuing to deputise in goal for the injured Mike Maignan, the shot-stopper made a couple of crucial saves to keep Milan in front and ensure that his team bagged all three points, keeping his first clean sheet in the process.

Davide Calabria: 6/10

A so-so display from the Italian right-back, who was fairly solid in defence but failed to offer much in the way of attacking outlet down his flank. He did make one key pass.

Fikayo Tomori: 7/10

Yet another solid performance from the former Chelsea defender who kept things in check at the back, making several interceptions and blocks, including one to deny Dennis Praet after the break. Good with the ball at his feet as well.

Alessio Romagnoli: 6/10

Starting ahead of Simon Kjaer on the night, the AC Milan captain looked up for the challenge and had a positive first half, apart from a harsh yellow card, which seemingly prompted Pioli to take him off at half-time.

Pierre Kalulu: 5/10

Starting in a makeshift left-back role, the French defender looked out of sorts after a decent start and faced quite a few problems as the first half wore on. The Torino forwards had a lot of joy on his flank while he also picked up a booking, leading to him getting hooked at half-time.

Franck Kessie: 6.5/10

Back from injury and reinstated into the starting XI, the Ivory Coast international did what he does best in the middle of the park, getting a lot of work done and showing great industry. He won his fair share of duels (10 out of 14), and kept things ticking along nicely with the ball at his feet.

Sandro Tonali: 7/10

An impressive display from the 21-year-old, who was positive and progressive with his usage of possession, creating two chances on the night while helping out defensively. He was involved in the build-up to the only goal of the game before being withdrawn in the 65th minute with an eye on the AS Roma clash.

Alexis Saelemaekers: 6/10

Back into the lineup, the Belgian winger had some positive moments, playing two key passes and creating spaces for those around him with his movement. However, his end product left a lot to be desired on the night.

Rade Krunic: 6.5/10

Set up the only goal of the game for Giroud. Other than that, it was a pretty quiet night for the Bosnian, who does not quite offer the same level of creativity that Brahim Diaz does. He did put in the hard yards off the ball, though. The assist bumps up his rating slightly.

Rafael Leao: 6/10

Leao made a bright start to the game, with some of his runs causing problems to the visitors’ defence. Like Saelemaekers, he lacked the requisite end product and drifted out of the game with time. It seems like the Portuguese could use some rest after having played relentlessly.

Olivier Giroud: 7/10

Getting the nod ahead of fellow veteran striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Frenchman made his chance count by scoring the all-important winner with the simplest of finishes. His all-round display was a bit scratchy on occasions, but he still managed to leave his mark on the game. The transfer seems to be working out quite well thus far for Milan.

SUBSTITUTES

Simon Kjaer: 6.5/10

On for Romagnoli at half-time. Marshalled the backline well and did not allow Torino a way back into the contest.

Theo Hernandez: 6.5/10

Replaced Kalulu at half-time to mark his return to action after recovering from coronavirus. Defensively solid and offered a much greater attacking threat during his 45-minute stint.

Tiemoue Bakayoko: 6/10

Came on for Tonali in the 65th minute. Kept things tight to help Milan see out the game.

Ismael Bennacer: 6/10

Replaced Krunic for the final 25 minutes. Was an active presence in his short cameo.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: N/A

A late substitute for Giroud.