October 19, 2024

Player Assessments: Milan 1-0 Udinese – Pulisic Shines as the Game-Changer – Seria A

Credit to Italian Serie A Image Gallery

Christian Pulisic’s assist for Samuel Chukwueze proved to be a pivotal moment in Milan’s hard-fought victory against Udinese. Pulisic’s ability to read the game and deliver a precise pass showcased his exceptional playmaking skills, which were crucial in breaking through Udinese’s defenses. This teamwork not only emphasized Pulisic’s talent but also highlighted the growing chemistry between the players. Meanwhile, in the defensive line, Malick Thiaw and Strahinja Pavlović displayed impressive leadership qualities. Their commanding presence and ability to organize the backline were essential in maintaining composure under pressure, particularly during critical moments of the match when Udinese attempted to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Chukwueze, the match-winner, was named Man of the Match by Lega Serie A for his impressive performance in Milan’s victory over Udinese on Saturday.

However, at Football Italia, we have chosen to recognize Pulisic not just for his assist but also for his unyielding spirit and willingness to sacrifice for the team. He set a strong example for his teammates, especially after Tijjani Reijnders received a red card in the first half.

Credit to Italian Serie A Image Gallery

While Chukwueze delivered a commendable performance at San Siro, it was Pulisic who provided Milan with the quality and leadership they needed, particularly in the absence of Theo Hernandez due to suspension and Rafael Leao, who remained on the bench for the entire match due to technical reasons.

Milan asserted their dominance during the first 30 minutes of play, controlling the match effectively. However, Udinese began to make their presence felt only after Reijnders was sent off.

The Bianconeri had two goals ruled out for offside, including one during stoppage time in the second half. Nevertheless, their coach, Kosta Runjaić, chose not to assign blame to the referee for these decisions—a commendable stance that some of his Italian counterparts could learn from.

Milan vs Udinese – Player ratings

Milan: Maignan 6.5; E. Royal 6, Thiaw 6.5, Pavlović 7, Terracciano 5.5; Fofana 6, Reijnders 5; Chukwueze 7, Pulisic 7.5, Okafor 6.5 (46′ Musah 5.5); Morata 6.5 (73′ Abraham N/A, 77′ Loftus-Cheek 6). Coach: Fonseca 7.

Best Milan Player: Pulisic 7.5 – He excelled in multiple roles at San Siro, showcasing his versatility as an attacking midfielder, winger, and striker. Pulisic delivered a standout performance, contributing eight goals (five goals, three assists) in just eight league matches this season. His impressive display solidifies his status as a key player for the team.

Lowest Milan Rating: Reijnders 5 – The red card was an unfortunate but predictable outcome. The Dutch midfielder found himself out of position, leading to the dismissal. This experience will serve as a valuable lesson for him moving forward.

Milan Coach: Fonseca 7 – The coach faced several challenging decisions during the match. With Theo suspended, he opted to leave Leao, Tomori, and Abraham on the bench, a gamble that ultimately paid off. His choices demonstrated that the majority of the players are fully committed to his strategy and vision.

Udinese: Okoye 7; Kabasele 6.5, Bijol 6.5, Touré 6.5; Ehizibue 6.5 (60′ Kamara 6), Lovrić 6.5 (70′ Payero 6), Karlström 5.5 (81′ Brenner N/A), Zarraga 5.5 (70′ Ekkelenkamp 5.5), Zemura 5.5; Bravo 5 (60′ Davis 5), Lucca 5.5. Coach: Runjaić 6.5.

Best Udinese Player: Okoye 7 – He delivered an outstanding performance, highlighted by a breathtaking save in the second half to thwart Pulisic (who else?). He consistently exhibited confidence and reliability while guarding the goal.

Lowest Udinese Rating: Bravo 5 – Despite making his first start in Serie A, he struggled to make a significant impact on the game.

Udinese Coach: Runjaić 6.5 – While he wasn’t entirely satisfied with the team’s overall performance, he commended his players for their courage and effort against one of Italy’s premier clubs. In hindsight, should Udinese have capitalized more on Reijnders’ red card? Perhaps, but they were also somewhat unlucky, having two goals disallowed for offside, which were narrow calls that could have changed the outcome.

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