AC Milan were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Pescara on Sunday, as they lost crucial ground in the race to qualify for the Europa League. Gianluigi Donnarumma's howler saw Gabriel Paletta score an own goal, while Mario Pasalic found an equaliser only for the Rossoneri to ultimately be left frustrated.
Positives
The performance improved significantly in the second half as Milan did a better job of controlling the game and creating chances. If not for some frantic defending late on, the visitors would have left with all three points.
Negatives
Milan were beaten in terms of effort, intensity and urgency, particularly in the first half. While they were unable to deal with Pescara's pressing, there wasn't enough quality on the ball to keep possession and nullify their early threat.
Manager rating out of 10
8 -- Personally, the blame for this result is with the players. Milan were set up as usual, and for Vincenzo Montella's part his changes made perfect sense. Carlos Bacca and Jose Sosa were disappointing, and he identified that and subsequently replaced them.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Gianluigi Donnarumma, 5 -- The youngster produced some good saves throughout and was reliable when called upon. However, while Gabriel Paletta deserves a share of the blame for the goal conceded too, Donnarumma should have done better to avoid a disastrous own goal.
DF Davide Calabria, 6 -- Produced a solid defensive display in place of Mattia De Sciglio, as Pescara's threat down their left flank was limited. Almost produced a perfect assist late on, but can be quietly pleased with his individual performance.
DF Gabriel Paletta, 5 -- A really poor back pass from the experienced defender as he put Donnarumma under real pressure which ultimately led to the mistake and the own goal. His distribution is still poor at times, but defensively he did well.
DF Alessio Romagnoli, 7 -- A classy performance from the centre-half as he made countless interventions and dealt with the Pescara threat well, while his composure on the ball was as good as ever. Romagnoli was unfortunate not to score the winning goal with a late header that hit the post.
DF Leonel Vangioni, 6 -- Another tireless performance from the Argentine, as he was up and down the left flank to carry out his defensive duties while also offering support in attack whenever possible.
MF Mario Pasalic, 6 -- In the right place at the right time for the goal, and in fairness it was a nice finish to bag the equaliser. Aside from that though, he produced a very average display with no real quality in possession.
MF Jose Sosa, 6 -- Had his positive moments, as he was never apprehensive in picking up possession and trying to get Milan going. However, gave the ball away on countless occasions and was quickly substituted after picking up a yellow card in the second half.
MF Mati Fernandez, 6 -- Made some really smart runs and his movement between the lines gave Pescara something different to think about. However, much like his fellow midfielders, there wasn't enough quality on the ball.
FW Gerard Deulofeu, 7 -- The Spaniard is full of confidence right now and it's easy to see. Always the most likely source of making something happy for Milan with his direct running, clever runs, pace and technical quality on the ball. Was crucial in the build-up to the goal.
FW Carlos Bacca, 5 -- A familiar story for the Colombian international. On one hand, he didn't get the service and was often isolated. However, his hold-up play is atrocious at times and he didn't influence the game in a positive way before being replaced early on in the second half.
FW Lucas Ocampos, 5 -- Worked hard for the team, but never really looked like making something happen on the ball. Ocampos gets into good positions, but whether it's his decision-making or carelessness in possession, he needs to be more effective in the final third.
Substitutes:
FW Gianluca Lapadula, 6 -- The forward was a real handful for the final half-hour as he battled for every ball and worked tirelessly in closing the opposition down. Should have got his name on the scoresheet as he had two great chances but was thwarted on both occasions.
MF Manuel Locatelli, 6 -- Careful in possession and was effective in keeping the ball and playing long balls forward to keep the late pressure on. Picked up a reckless booking, but had a positive impact.
MF Juraj Kucka, N/A -- Got into dangerous positions on two occasions, wasn't able to match it with a decisive delivery.