Player Ratings: Chievo 0-1 AC Milan Sulley Muntari's eighth-minute strike was enough to send the Rossoneri back to the top of Serie A despite a lethargic performance from the understrength visitors http://www.goal.com/en/match/65000/chievo-vs-ac-milan/player-ratings AC Milan Christian Abbiati 6.5 Picked up a knock to his left foot in the first half but battled on bravely and made a fantastic save to thwart Pellissier soon after the break. Alessandro Nesta 7.0 The fever-hit centre-back looked sluggish as Paloschi muscled past him early on, but his anticipation came to Milan’s rescue after a Muntari slip saw Chievo push forward. Only improved from there, and led the back line superbly for the most part. Gianluca Zambrotta 6.0 Never looked fully up to speed whenever a Chievo player ran at him, and was booked for bringing down Pellissier just before the hour mark. Showed great experience later to see off a dangerous ball in behind for the striker. Mattia De Sciglio 6.0 Looked raw at times, but not out of his depth by any means. Occasionally lacked calm on the ball when he could have spotted a team-mate rather than play it into the channel, but it was one of few negatives. Mario Alberto Yepes 6.5 Covered well after Nesta lost out to Paloschi, and was largely very solid, though he did let the ball run on a Luciano cross that he should have dealt with to cause a momentary panic for Abbiati. His late nose injury added to Milan’s current health woes. Gennaro Ivan Gattuso 6.5 Put in a good shift on his return to the starting lineup, but was less mobile than the Gennaro Gattuso we know and love. One decent run into the box couldn’t quite win him a corner, and was his last act before being replaced by El Shaarawy. Clarence Seedorf 6.0 Saw very little of the ball in the trequartista position as Milan found Chievo’s endeavour tough to combat, but looked much more comfortable when he dropped back into the centre of midfield before his late substitution. Sulley Ali Muntari Top of the Match 7.0 Drilled a magnificent out-swinging shot from long range beyond Sorrentino to settle Milan’s early nerves, and his general performance was decent if not spectacular. Booked for bringing down Pellissier and almost talked his way into a red, but he was the Rossoneri's best battler in a dogged display. Antonio Nocerino 5.5 His heavy touch when clean through was the difference between a 2-0 lead and a clattering from Stefano Sorrentino, but he continued to work the channel well. Dropped a couple of passes short when Milan were building momentum. Zlatan Ibrahimovic 6.5 Regularly tried to get involved even though it was one of those games where Milan rarely got the ball up to him. Dropped back to help out in midfield on a number of occasions, and then almost struck when curling an effort from 25 yards just wide. Robinho 5.5 Brilliantly worked his way into space late in the first half, but saw his shot deflected wide of the near post. It was one of few highlights in the Brazilian’s evening before he was replaced by Emanuelson with a quarter of the match remaining. • Substitutions Urby Emanuelson 6.0 Brought on for Robinho for the final quarter, but when he had a great chance to send in Ibrahimovic he over hit the pass. Rodney Strasser N/A Late replacement for Seedorf. Stephan El Shaarawy 6.0 Replaced the tiring Gattuso just after the hour mark, but was unable to get a decent sight on goal.
http://www.goal.com/en/match/65026/ac-milan-vs-bologna/player-ratings AC Milan Christian Abbiati 6.0 Could do little about Ramirez’s goal as his defence retreated to make up for Van Bommel’s giveaway in midfield. Left to smother a few other efforts, but with Milan dominating the second half he was rarely tested. Alessandro Nesta 6.0 The centre-back was infuriated by the referee’s decision to penalise him for a foul on Diamanti just after Bologna had taken the lead, but he was rarely bettered after that. Nearly headed home in one of a number of forays forward. Ignazio Abate 6.0 Arrived just too late as Ramirez slotted home for Bologna, then failed to have quite the impact on the ball that he has had in games past, though he did look stronger as the game progressed. Daniele Bonera 4.5 Looked rocky when crosses came to him at the far post, and Diamanti seemed to relish running at him when he had the chance. Capped off a difficult afternoon with a second yellow card for bringing down Acquafresca in the 82nd minute. Luca Antonini 5.5 Returned to the side at left-back, but was caught out of position defensively and never really got forward with the penetration that the Rossoneri needed and was replaced by Emanuelson with a quarter of the game to play. Mark van Bommel Flop of the Match 4.5 Made his return to the side, but his first major contribution was to be dispossessed by Alessandro Diamanti in the build-up to Bologna’s opener. He was also guilty of playing a pass straight into touch as he failed to get with the pace of the game at any point, and Aquilani replaced him in the 73rd minute. Clarence Seedorf 5.0 Didn’t put in the influential performance that was expected of him in the trequartista position and was substituted early in the second half, storming straight down the tunnel such was his dissatisfaction. Sulley Ali Muntari 5.0 Linked play nicely but rarely looked to have the cutting edge Milan were in need of. Never looked likely to burst beyond the deep and organised Bologna midfield. Antonio Nocerino 5.5 Tried to employ his usual tactic of arriving late in the box, but not always to much effect. Did get on the end of a Robinho cross on 48 minutes but flashed his shot wide. Nowhere near as influential as he can be. Zlatan Ibrahimovic 7.0 Sent in a low drive in the opening minutes which Agliardi held well, but rarely got a decent sight of goal in the first half after that. Appeared to have equalised when beating the offside trap to lob home, but the flag was up. Later did grab a deserved leveller as injury time began. Robinho 6.5 Blazed wide with an effort soon after the break following a disappointing first half in which one low cross apart he was almost anonymous. Played much better after the break, teeing up Nocerino for a chance before firing an effort that stung the palms of Agliardi, then heading just wide when he could have won it in injury time. • Substitutions Alberto Aquilani 6.0 Entered the fray for the last 18 minutes in place of Van Bommel. Urby Emanuelson 6.5 Brought on for Antonini for the final quarter and added an extra presence going forward, finally sending a ball in for Ibrahimovic to tuck home the equaliser. Antonio Cassano 6.5 Introduced in place of Seedorf 10 minutes after the break and did his best to help his side complete the turnaround but they only got halfway to their target.
Player Ratings: AC Milan 1-0 Genoa Kevin-Prince Boateng broke the deadlock with just four minutes remaining as the Rossoneri keep alive their slim hopes of retaining the Serie A title. http://www.goal.com/en-us/match/65013/milan-vs-genoa/player-ratings Milan Christian Abbiati 6.0 Not overly-involved such was his side’s dominance, but he showed good handling skills whenever he was called upon. Luca Antonini 6.0 Had opportunities to get forward early on as Milan pushed the ball wide in a bid to avoid the congested center, but that was less the case as the game continued, and he was eventually replaced by Maxi Lopez with the Rossoneri still needing a goal. Mario Alberto Yepes 6.0 Fitted in well alongside Nesta, though the odd niggling foul occasionally helped to take his side’s foot off the pedal. A much better showing than that of Bonera in the same position at the weekend. Alessandro Nesta 6.5 Blocked Kucka’s early effort with an outstretched arm, but was fortunate not to be penalized. Did so much better after the break when keeping up with Palacio and denying him with a perfectly timed challenge. Ignazio Abate 6.5 Sent a cross flashing in behind the Genoa back four but no Milan striker reacted to it in just one of a number of attacks to which he contributed. Saw one shot blocked as he drifted inside in his attempts to influence proceedings. Sulley Ali Muntari 5.5 Had a couple of half-chances to score in the first half, but fired one effort wide of the near post and headed tamely from a left-wing corner. His heavy touch led to the end of an eye-catching break, before his slashed right-foot shot from close range flew straight at Frey. Mark van Bommel 5.5 Still didn’t look up to full speed despite putting in a reasonable shift on the ball in midfield. He is not showing the same ability to break up play this term that made him such a great addition last season, and his game lasted only 50 minutes. Antonio Nocerino 6.0 Worked hard down the right, but asked too much of El Shaarawy when sending the ball in on one attack, then found he didn’t quite have the pace to make the most of a couple of good moments in midfield. Urby Emanuelson 5.5 Looked short of ideas when playing as a trequartista, and Milan as a side looked one-paced before changes were made and the Dutchman retreated into the midfield line. Stephan El Shaarawy 6.5 Did superbly to get in behind Moretti, only for Granqvist to make an excellent clearance, and was a key attacking weapon for the Rossoneri in the first half. However, he was sacrificed shortly after the interval as Cassano and Boateng entered. Zlatan Ibrahimovic 6.0 Once again applied some physical strength up top in the first half, but he seemed a little short of full pace as Milan labored. After the interval he very nearly broke the deadlock when firing a ferocious left-foot shot which Frey parried away. • Substitutions Kevin-Prince Boateng Top of the Match 7.5 Brought on as a trequartista on 50 minutes and was denied by Biondini as he teed up a volley, then he strayed offside before firing home. Might have been punished for attacking Moretti after the fullback pulled him back, but then he showed his clinical edge by firing home the vital winner. Antonio Cassano 7.0 Introduced soon after the break for El Shaarawy as Milan looked for new ideas in their bid to break down Genoa, and he almost broke the deadlock when firing just wide of the top corner from distance. Maxi López N/A Replaced Antonini late on in the quest for a crucial opening goal.
Player Ratings: Siena 1-4 AC Milan Goal.com casts a studious eye over the performers as the Rossoneri scored four goals in a comfortable victory away from home to stay three points behind Juventus http://www.goal.com/en/match/65037/siena-vs-ac-milan/player-ratings AC Milan Christian Abbiati 6.0 A quiet game for the stopper, but somewhat unfortunate to see his save from Destro pounced on for the Siena goal. Ignazio Abate 6.5 Was a good outlet to support the attack out wide on the right, but a little slow in tracking back to his proper defensive position at times. Still though, a good game, as when he was in his own half, he usually defended stoutly. Daniele Bonera 6.5 Executed his duties in defence with the minimum of fuss despite a few reckless challenges. Solid in the air, but could have been a tad more diligent with his positioning. Siena never made it especially hard for him though Mario Alberto Yepes 6.0 Caught a little short in stature on one or two instances as he was beaten in the air, but he otherwise was solid at the back, save for a pair of moments when Destro was able to find space. Mark van Bommel 6.5 Played his part in securing the result by disrupting Siena whenever they had possession. Saw yellow for an extremely clumsy attempt to jostle for position with Brienza. Gennaro Ivan Gattuso 6.0 Charged about the middle with typical reckless abandon, and somehow got away with a two-footed challenge on Brienza on the edge of the area. Closed down the space well and was always committed to the cause. Sulley Ali Muntari 6.0 A relatively stress free game in midfield. His first touch was a bit leaden, but his physicality was an asset. Withdrawn on thee hour mark. Djamel Mesbah 6.0 Decent at times going forward, though he did slip twice in the first half to halt his side in their tracks. Not given much to think about in his own half of the field by Siena. Kevin-Prince Boateng 6.5 Showed energy and enthusiasm in the final third. Had one powerful blast saved, while another whistled just wide. The maverick in him did rear its head at times. Zlatan Ibrahimovic 8.0 Started the game slowly, but grew in stature as it progressed. A well-timed run and cross set the first goal in motion, and a soft first touch aligned to a powerful finish smashed home the second. At the death, he rounded off his double with a cool side foot into the corner from good work by Cassano. Antonio Cassano Top of the Match 8.0 Looked in fine form as he continues his road to recovery. He was given the first goal on a platter by Brkic, but it was no less than he deserved. His movement and interplay with his team-mates was excellent all game, as evidenced by his assist for his side’s second and fourth goals. A possible X-factor for the Rossoneri in the few games that remain in the title race. • Substitutions Alberto Aquilani 6.0 Showed some nice touches in the attacking third after his arrival without ever being overly dynamic. Antonio Nocerino 7.0 Came on for the last 15 minutes and scored a sensational solo effort with a marauding run from the halfway line to crush Siena once and for all. Stephan El Shaarawy 6.5 Only got a few touches after coming on for the last 10 minutes.
AC Milan 2 vs 0 Atalanta Played May 2, 2012 7:45 PM BST Stadio Giuseppe Meazza — Milano Referee: M. Guida Attendance: 51000 Player Ratings: AC Milan 2-0 Atalanta Goal.com casts a studious eye over the performers at San Siro as an early and late goal sent the hosts to within a point of first place http://www.goal.com/en/match/65046/ac-milan-vs-atalanta/player-ratings AC Milan Christian Abbiati 7.0 The Milan stopper had two crucial saves in the first half to stop Atalanta at their most dangerous and preserve a well-earned clean sheet. Philippe Mexes 6.5 Along with Nesta, he formed an authoritative partnership in the heart of the Rossoneri defence. Denis was able to wriggle free once or twice, but it was a minor blot on his performance. Alessandro Nesta Top of the Match 7.5 The veteran defied his age with a gutsy showing to shut out Atalanta. Made some crucial tackles and was not at all afraid to throw his body on the line for the cause. Links with a move to the MLS may well be premature after today’s display. Mattia De Sciglio 7.0 Quite an assured display at the back for the youngster, who gave Bonaventura an extremely tough time in their tussles out on the flanks. Did not affect things offensively as often as he would have liked, but his task today was primarily in his own half. Luca Antonini 6.5 Never overly troubled by Raimondi on his flank, and though he was a tad suspect in the air, it still should not stain a solid showing. Did not allow substitute Moralez past him in the second half either. Sulley Ali Muntari 7.0 Despite being left in acres of space, it has to be said that the Ghanaian took his goal with an air of confidence. He was drawn into a sense of complacency in a few moments during lulls in the game, which was evidenced by his wayward passing. However, he worked hard along with the rest of his midfield colleagues to control the game in the centre of the park, which ultimately was the key factor in Milan’s success. Antonio Nocerino 7.0 Did a tiny bit of everything today in a good all-round game. Tracked back well, was generally on point with his passing and kept going for the entire 90 minutes. Only his shooting let him down a touch, but he was still the glue that held the Milan midfield together. Massimo Ambrosini 6.0 Relatively unfussed in the middle, and executed his role with the veteran savvy that we have come to expect. Did not venture forward too often, instead preferring to support his teammates from deep. Broke up a few Atalanta attacks well, but ran out of steam in the second half and was replaced. Kevin-Prince Boateng 6.5 Raced out of the blocks straight from kickoff and played like a man possessed. Had three great chances to open the scoring with the game barely six minutes old. He decided instead to turn provider, and set up the opener for Muntari with a well-timed cross that fooled the Atalanta defence into playing the offside trap. He did not last the full game though, as long periods of charging about finally told on his stamina, and he was brought off visibly fatigued in the second half. Zlatan Ibrahimovic 5.5 As ever, the big Swede held the ball up well and utilized his strength to good effect. His shooting boots were left at home though, as he could have easily had at least a brace on another day. His late free kick was spilled, allowing Robinho to score the clincher. Antonio Cassano 6.0 A bit of a mixed bag from the Italian, who nevertheless continues to make an impressive recovery from his cardiovascular troubles. Showcased some lovely touches on the ball and always looked to get involved in the attack, adopting positions right across the front line. However, his end product lacked the cutting edge of games past, and he was substituted midway through the second half. Substitutions Gennaro Ivan Gattuso 5.5 Provided some fresh legs in the centre of the park after his introduction. Mathieu Flamini 6.0 Shored up the midfield in the closing stages of the game. Robinho 6.5 Came on for the latter stages of the half and missed a great chance, before heading home a rebound to seal the game for the hosts.
FC Internazionale 4 vs 2 AC Milan Played May 6, 2012 7:45 PM BST Stadio Giuseppe Meazza — Milano Referee: N. Rizzoli Attendance: 43000 Player Ratings: Inter 4-2 AC Milan The Nerazzurri's win keeps them in with a chance of Champions League football but also ends their rivals' title hopes, with Diego Milito the hero http://www.goal.com/en/match/65052/fc-internazionale-vs-ac-milan/player-ratings FC Internazionale Julio César 6.5 Raced out well to smother Ibrahimovic’s shot after the Swede had ghosted forward with ease, but then when he was quick to close out Boateng he was somehow penalised, with Ibrahimovic scoring from the spot. Javier Adelmar Zanetti 7.0 Booked after a tete-a-tete with Nocerino, but didn’t show any real lethargy after his two weeks on the sidelines, and was still bombing into the box moments from the end. Lucio 6.0 Allowed Ibrahimovic to run in behind too easily as Milan grabbed the lead, but other than that he led the Inter back line well. Maicon 6.5 Hadn’t been half as effective as he would have wanted until unleashing an unstoppable clincher late on to complete Milan’s misery. Walter Adrian Samuel 6.5 Somehow found himself in acres of space from Sneijder’s free kick as Milito turned home the opener, and would later cause more panic in the Milan box. Also added a decent shift at the back to his CV. Yuto Nagatomo 6.0 Made good progress down the left in the first half, but was foiled by one great tackle by Abate. Kept at it well despite not being overly influential in the Nerazzurri’s eventual win. Wesley Sneijder 7.0 Picked himself up to deliver a perfect free kick as Milito gave Inter the lead, then almost equalised with a devastating volley over the back-pedalling Amelia. Did well to feed Milito with plenty of possession as Inter played on the break more in the second half before being replaced by Cordoba late on. Ricardo Gabriel Álvarez 5.5 Got into a couple of positions from which he could have done much better, but was gradually forced further away from Milito as Milan got a foothold in the game and was replaced by Pazzini. Fredy Guarín 6.0 Made a superb challenge on Ibrahimovic having allowed him to progress with ease only seconds earlier. Provided some good touches in midfield, but by no means dominant, and was replaced by Obi on the hour. Esteban Matias Cambiasso 6.0 Saw his header magnificently kept out by Abbiati, though some replays suggesting the ball had crossed the line. Caught ball-watching as Robinho’s angled run gave him a sight of goal Diego Alberto Milito Top of the Match 8.5 Popped up to open the scoring after Samuel turned the ball back to him from Sneijder’s free kick, before later equalising from the spot after being dragged down by Abate. Hit the winner from another penalty after Nesta’s adjudged handball. • Substitutions Iván Ramiro Córdoba 6.0 The retiring Colombian was given the final few minutes in place of Sneijder. Obi 6.0 Brought into the fray in place of Guarin, but took some time getting going originally. Giampaolo Pazzini 6.0 Replaced Alvarez with 15 minutes to play. AC Milan Christian Abbiati 6.5 Having done brilliantly to get across to Cambiasso’s effort, he injured his knee and was promptly substituted. Some replays suggested his save had come too late. Alessandro Nesta 6.0 Went about his work with great aplomb, but was penalised for having his hand high at a ball which came from very little distance. Ignazio Abate Flop of the Match 5.0 Put in a great cover challenge on Nagatomo as he looked to exorcise the ghost of derbies past, but handed Inter another goal when dragging back Milito for Inter’s penalty at a vital stage of the game. Daniele Bonera 5.5 Picked up an ankle injury early in the piece, leading to an early introduction for Mattia De Sciglio. Mario Alberto Yepes 5.5 Looked just a little bit slow to react to dangerous situations at times, and may well have held back Samuel at an Inter corner. Mark van Bommel 6.5 Saw an effort from just outside the box well held by Julio Cesar, but continued to provide great influence in the middle, and his inevitable yellow card arrived after raising his foot in a challenge with Joel Obi. Sulley Ali Muntari 6.0 Never left wanting in the midfield battle, with a couple of meaty challenges testing the patience of his former supporters, but he should have done better than to divert Ibrahimovic’s header past the post with his knee. Antonio Nocerino 6.0 Booked for a collision with Zanetti as he looked to help get Milan back on level terms. Not as influential getting forward as he has been at other times in his debut campaign with the Rossoneri. Kevin-Prince Boateng 5.5 His greatest influence in the first half came when Julio Cesar superbly halted his run, only to see the referee point to the penalty spot. Had nowhere near as much impact after the break though. Zlatan Ibrahimovic 7.5 Somehow missed from six yards out from Robinho’s left-wing cross moments before Inter took the lead, then saw Julio Cesar smother after making good progress down the right channel. Eventually got his goal, however controversial, from the penalty spot, before superbly adding a second just after the break. Robinho 7.0 Made some decent progress down the left in the opening minutes, and then in the second half could be found roving about in his attempts to have a real effect. • Substitutions Marco Amelia 6.0 Brought on in the 35th minute after Abbiati injured his knee, and he was kept on his toes by a superb volley from range by Sneijder. Beaten by two penalties before a thunderbolt from Maicon left him helpless. Mattia De Sciglio 6.5 Replaced the injured Bonera after just 20 minutes and made a couple of very good tackles. Not quite as effect going forward. Antonio Cassano 6.0 Late substitute for Muntari, who had gone down with cramp, and was left with little time to make an impact.
Player Ratings: AC Milan 2-1 Novara Goal.com casts a studious eye over the performers at San Siro as a late Pippo Inzaghi goal ended the Rossoneri's season on a high http://www.goal.com/en/match/65066/ac-milan-vs-novara/player-ratings AC Milan Marco Amelia 6.0 Never really forced out of his comfort zone, but could have done a better job of organising his defence on set plays. Philippe Mexes 5.5 Unconvincing defending for the most part during Milan’s first-half abomination. Stepped out a few times to challenge Rigoni but was always found wanting. Recovered slightly after the break. Gianluca Zambrotta 6.0 Decent game in both halves of the field, not seriously tested defensively while supporting the attack in the second half, even with fatigue starting to creep into his game. Mario Alberto Yepes 5.5 One or two crucial interceptions did not always make up for his lack of positional nous shown. Poor marking on set pieces in the first half. Gennaro Ivan Gattuso 6.0 Charged about with purpose on his final appearance for the Rossoneri, but was caught out often during the first half. He improved after the break though, and was able to control the midfield in his normal fashion. Clarence Seedorf 7.0 A game of two halves for the Dutchman on his Milan swansong. Was as awful as anyone during the first 45, but played like a man possessed after the break, constantly initiating attacks with his driving runs and passing. His lovely ball to find Inzaghi for the winner was a throwback to the glory days. Djamel Mesbah Flop of the Match 5.0 Forgettable game, as his mind seemed to wander at multiple points throughout the match, probably towards his plans for the summer. Alberto Aquilani 5.0 Abject passing and static play in the attacking third defined his time on the pitch. He was one of the main culprits for Milan’s terrible first half. Kevin-Prince Boateng N/A Lasted only 11 minutes before pulling up with a knock. Zlatan Ibrahimovic 5.5 Unconvincing, like most of his side, during the first half, but looked more like his old self after the break with some decent hold up play. Saw a late chance for a goal go begging. Antonio Cassano 6.5 Huffed and puffed, but looked like coming up empty. However, he set up Flamini for the equaliser with some good work out wide before departing in the second half. • Substitutions Alessandro Nesta 6.0 Came on to a warm reception for his last Milan match. Mathieu Flamini 6.5 Made his time on the pitch count with the all-important equalising goal. Filippo Inzaghi Top of the Match 7.0 One could not hope for a more fairytale parting, as the veteran striker waved goodbye with a classic poacher’s effort that won the game for Milan.
