AC Milan fought hard to earn a point away at Fiorentina on Sunday night, with the two sides unable to find a breakthrough in a goalless draw. Josip Ilicic was guilty of missing a first-half penalty for the hosts, and although both sides didn't create as many clear-cut opportunities as they would have liked, they had their chances.
Positives
For the most part, Milan were defensively sound to limit Fiorentina's threat. The Rossoneri weren't lacking in effort, as they dug deep to earn a respectable draw in a difficult encounter against a side that has yet to concede at home this season.
Negatives
From an attacking perspective, Milan's build-up play wasn't incisive enough as too often they lost their way going forward with attacks breaking down. There were glimpses on the counter, but there wasn't enough of a sustained threat.
Manager rating out of 10
6 -- Being critical, Vincenzo Montella could have done more to change the pattern of the game with Fiorentina not really troubled for long periods. Replacing Giacomo Bonaventura was a strange decision, and Luiz Adriano could have been introduced earlier.
Player Ratings (1-10; 10=best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating):
GK Gianluigi Donnarumma, 8 -- Kept his concentration brilliantly throughout the game even though it wasn't the busiest of nights, he produced some excellent saves when called upon. His stop to deny Borja Valero stood out, as well as his role in putting Ilicic off for the penalty. Three consecutive clean sheets for the 17-year-old.
DF Davide Calabria, 6 -- Rash error led to the penalty being awarded, and wasn't entirely convincing early on as he failed to build on his display against Lazio. Did better as the game went on though, and so it was hopefully a minor setback.
DF Gabriel Paletta, 7 -- Lost count of the number of clearances and interceptions he made, while he certainly enjoyed the battle with Nikola Kalinic. Excellent positioning and awareness, and he will now hopefully be a long-term calming presence next to Alessio Romagnoli.
DF Alessio Romagnoli, 7 -- It was another solid defensive display from the youngster, as he seems to be building a good relationship with Paletta. Was key in keeping things tight at the back, although his distribution was poor and he'll want to improve in that facet of the game.
DF Mattia De Sciglio, 6 -- Struggled in the first half in dealing with Federico Bernardeschi, but the Italian full-back improved significantly in the second half and will hopefully enjoy an extended run in the team to get the best out of him.
MF Juraj Kucka, 7 -- The Slovakian international did his bit in terms of adding defensive coverage and energy in midfield, and was key in combatting the presence of the likes of Carlos Sanchez. Wasn't as influential as an offensive threat though, and Milan need that balance from him.
MF Riccardo Montolivo, 6 -- The captain produced a committed performance and did well defensively. However, the biggest criticism is still his distribution and inability to control the game in midfield.
MF Giacomo Bonaventura, 7 -- Worked tirelessly off the ball and led Milan forward on the counter-attack on several instances. Still searching for that decisiveness he had last season, but hopefully it's on the way back and was bizarrely replaced by Montella in the second half for Antonelli.
FW Suso, 5 -- Plenty of room for improvement for the Spaniard, as he was too often out of the game. Showed his quality on the ball at times, but it was all too infrequent as Milan rely on his creativity to make the difference in the final third.
FW Carlos Bacca, 6 -- The Colombian ace worked hard as the lone forward, but dropping deep and starting attacks isn't his main strength. Can't be faulted for effort, but didn't have the right service to make a big impression.
FW M'Baye Niang, 5 -- Good work rate shown as always, but his final ball needs to be better. For a player that gets into such good positions and into one-on-one situations where he should really excel, he's not doing enough to show he can be a consistent game changer.
Substitutes
MF Manuel Locatelli, 6 -- Limited impact but in his defence, most would have struggled to get up to speed straight away in such a tight game.
DF Luca Antonelli, NR -- A few poor attempts at crosses but not enough time to make an impact.
FW Luiz Adriano, NR -- Involved in a controversial moment late on when he was fouled just outside the box when through on goal, although the referee ignored his protests and ensured his hard work went unrewarded.