AC Milan stretched their unbeaten run in Serie A to five games as they secured a 3-1 win at Chievo on Sunday night. Goals from Juraj Kucka, M'Baye Niang and a late own goal sealed the victory for Vincenzo Montella's men, as they moved up to third place in the table with another well-deserved win as they now prepare for a huge test against Juventus next weekend.
Positives
The quality of the goals from Kucka and Niang naturally stand out, but ultimately if the Rossoneri want to enjoy a great season, then they'll have to develop a winning habit in these type of games and they fought hard on Sunday night as the confidence within the group continues to grow.
Negatives
At times it was ultimately individual errors, but Milan could have been more accurate in possession and arguably lacked a clinical edge in the final third at times to make the game safe prior to the late third goal that eventually sealed the victory.
Manager rating out of 10
7 -- Montella was forced into certain changes after the international break, but he got the balance in the team right and should be praised for having the courage to place his faith in Manuel Locatelli to replace the injured Riccardo Montolivo.
Player Ratings (1-10; 10=best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating):
GK Gianluigi Donnarumma, 6 -- Little he could have done to deny a brilliant Valter Birsa free kick, but remained alert to danger throughout and dealt with any threat convincingly whether it was long-range attempts or crosses into the box.
DF Ignazio Abate, 6 -- Generally limited to defensive duties on Sunday night, and although he carried them out with minimal fuss, you could still argue that Davide Calabria's return would be welcomed.
DF Gabriel Paletta, 7 -- Had some shaky moments early on, but used his experience to marshal the Milan backline and made several key interventions. Produced a couple of comedy moments in the Chievo box when going forward for set pieces, but a solid performance from the veteran.
DF Alessio Romagnoli, 7 -- Was aggressive in winning the ball back both in the air and on the ground and produced a really assured display to keep things tight at the back. Consistency is key for Romagnoli, as he has to continue to be as commanding every week.
DF Mattia De Sciglio, 6 -- Similarly to Abate on the opposite flank, De Sciglio wasn't able to make his usual offensive impact. Nevertheless, he did well defensively for the most part aside from a lack of concentration now and then.
MF Juraj Kucka, 8 -- Struggled early on to stamp his mark on the game, but produced a moment of magic with his thunderous left-foot strike to break the deadlock. His energy and snap in midfield remains key for Milan, and he certainly stood out as one of the top performers on the night.
MF Manuel Locatelli, 7 -- Not an easy assignment for the youngster, especially with Chievo's pressing game early one. Aside from one mistake that almost proved very costly, he moved the ball quickly and pushed the team forward with his passing whenever possible in a positive start in the heart of the team.
MF Giacomo Bonaventura, 8 -- His work ethic can never be faulted, but on Sunday night he paired it with incisive runs from midfield and great skill on the ball to make Milan a much bigger threat going forward. Started the season slowly, but looks to now be growing into a key role for Montella.
FW Suso, 6 -- The Spaniard produced a few dangerous moments, but it felt as though there were large periods where he wasn't involved enough. His quality is evident as he can carve open an opportunity with ease, but needs to be more effective across the whole game.
FW Gianluca Lapadula, 7 -- Can't be faulted for effort and sacrifice for his teammates, as he relentlessly closed down the Chievo defenders and ran the channels to create an option and open up space. A goal was all that was missing, with Stefano Sorrentino denying him with a great save in the second half.
FW M'Baye Niang, 8 -- Battled hard for the team when trying to hold on to possession, and took his goal brilliantly. Showed great pace, strength and an ability to finish to get on the score sheet and was a constant menace for the Chievo backline with his speed and movement.
Substitutes
MF Jose Sosa, 6 -- Lost the ball on a couple of occasions in the last 20 minutes or so, but when up to speed and fully fit, he'll be a more than useful addition for Montella.
MF Andrea Poli, N/A -- Brought on to add some presence and solidity in midfield and did well to help protect his side's lead.
FW Carlos Bacca, N/A -- The Colombian international was introduced for the last five minutes, and forced Dario Dainelli into an unfortunate own goal to wrap up the victory.