Player Ratings: Milan 1-2 Bologna (Goal.com/en)

Bologna produced the shock of the opening round of the 2008/09 Serie A season by beating Milan 2-1 at San Siro. Carlo Garganese rates the players on show.


MILAN
Christian Abbiati: 6 - Had nothing to do apart from the two goals, and was not really to blame for either.

Gianluca Zambrotta: 7 – Fine debut for Milan, bombed up and down the right all game, and created a fine chance for Ronaldinho in the first half.

Paolo Maldini: 5.5 – Largely had a good game, but was a little suspect during individual moments. Di Vaio's pace caused the 40-year-old problems too.

Kakha Kaladze: 5 – Lack of concentration is a real issue with Kaladze, and he was given a real headache by Di Vaio all game long.

Marek Jankulosvski: 6 – Whipped in a few fine crosses in the first half before he was mysteriously substituted at half time for the disappointing Shevchenko.

Mathieu Flamini: 6.5 – Mopped up all the loose balls in midfield, before handing possession to the likes of Seedorf, Pirlo and Ronaldinho. Sound.

Andrea Pirlo: 7 – A creative influence as always. One of his through balls to Inzaghi in the first half was out of this world. Ran out of ideas though as the game wore on.

Massimo Ambrosini: 6.5 – Fought valiantly in midfield, showing his usual heart and character. Scored Milan’s goal with a towering header.

Ronaldinho: 9 – Some may think this rating is too high, especially considering Milan lost, but believe me it is not. Made Ambrosini’s goal, and also put both Seedorf and Inzaghi through on goal, the latter with a simply delightful scooped pass. Created countless other dangerous situations, had five shots on goal, and dictated most of the game.

Clarence Seedorf: 6 – Had his moments, but all in all Seedorf was completely overshadowed in the playmaking department by Ronaldinho.

Filippo Inzaghi: 6.5 – Critics will say he missed three excellent chances, but he was there to have the chances, and once he was substituted with 20 minutes to go Milan created nothing.

Substitutions:

Andriy Shevchenko: 4

Alexandre Pato: 6.5

Emerson: N/A