Another played, another won. Conte’s boys didn’t appear to be in top form, but credit that to Seedorf’s Milan side, who have significantly improved since the Dutchman’s takeover. The early proceedings proved slightly chaotic, with Milan looking the more threatening. As the first half wore on the tide looked to be changing, and it was all she wrote from there on out. In thinking back on the match it was largely a team effort, and in a good way. I struggled picking a Man of the Match, but had no trouble highlighting individual moments of brilliance from various performers; anyway, onto the ratings.

Buffon – 8.5 My man of the match, although that isn’t always a good thing. San Gigi had plenty to do, but came through time and time again when called upon, as Kaka seemed to do often. His diving parry on the Brazilian’s curled “Zona Del Piero” effort, while not his best save, truly gave off visions of superman. The kind folks over at MilanLab are clearly still experimenting with their best attempt at kryptonite.

Barzagli – 6 Not one of his best performances, but certainly far from his worst. Beaten by Pazzini at one moment, yet equally solid on the next. Seemingly on par with the rest of the back line, the number of chances created by Milan was disconcerting, but it was always going to be a tough match, and the clean sheet was kept.

Bonucci – 7 The best of the bunch for me – his goal line clearance cannot be over-emphasized given it’s timing and seeming swing of momentum. Bonucci is oozing confidence of late, and didn’t seem to miss a step next to Caceres instead of Chielo. An above average display from the young defender.

Caceres – 6 The weakest of the 3, however still a solid performance. His bloody collision with Poli was disconcerting, but as always the effort was ever-present. it seems Martin can’t catch a break when it comes to staying away injury.

Lichtsteiner – 6.5 Tireless running, a chat with the ref, and an assist to cap it all off. Nothing spectacular but a performance to be proud of from the Swiss international. He almost managed to get on the sheet himself following a muffed chance by Llorente, before he would in turn assist the Spaniard with the game’s first.
Padoin (84′) – N/A

Pogba – 6 The young frenchman is as difficult to rate as Marchisio. This was far from one of his best efforts, but again still managed a few turns of genius that tend to gloss over his performance. He had a few lackadaisical passes that I’m sure Conte will point out to him, but also came painstakingly close as he hit the post from distance in stoppage time. All-in-all an average performance.

Pirlo – 6.5 Il Maestro played with a bit of pep in his step as he seems to do on returns to the San Siro. His yellow card rewarding challenge on Saponara indicated as much, and he was inches away from yet another free kick golazo. His assist of Tevez’s goal was statistically deserved. He isn’t dominating matches as he used to, but with the ability of Carlitos and Llorente to link play, one must almost wonder if that simply isn’t required anymore. A solid if unspectacular display from the aging genius.

Marchisio – 6.5 Il Principino was his usual workhorse self today, and it paid dividends. After wrestling a long ball away from Rami, he had the patience to pull it back and pick out Tevez beginning a string of passes which ended with Llorente’s goal. Booked for running towards a set piece early, his desire and effort to win were infectious.

Asamoah – 5.5 Locked in a battle with Abate, it never seemed like the Ghanaian was able to get going. He was present, but never assertive. Not a terrible performance by any means, but he can be better than he was today.

Llorente – 7 The thing that has impressed me most about Llorente since his arrival in Turin is his work rate. For a prima punta one would expect a much more stationary style of play, but today, as is true most days, this was not the case. He looked like scoring on multiple occasions, and tapped home the game’s first goal on 44′ for what will be one of the easiest goals of his career.
Osvaldo (90′) – N/A

Tevez – 8 What more can be said about this guy that hasn’t already been said? I could wax panegyrically about his incredible work ethic for pages on end, he constantly looks to be the most energetic player on the pitch. A constant thorn in the Milan defense, it seemed his final efforts were lacking until it was realized that he was just charging up his shooting boots for later. An absolute screamer that put the match to bed and, to quote Football-Italia, “probably would have broken Abbiati’s hands.” By the way, with this performance, the man who cost 30m less than Higuain is currently the lone capocannoniere with 15 goals.

Giovinco (92′) – N/A

Like I said, a tremendous overall team effort that got the job done, can’t want much more than that. As always, feel free to chip in below with thoughts and comments. Until next week.