Player Ratings: Torino 0-1 Milan

Torino

Fontana – 7.5: Two brilliant saves, from Gilardino, and his own man Di Loreto. Also a number of other impressive stops. Kept his side in the game.

Diana - 6.5: Bombed up-and-down the right flank continuously and made a number of fine crosses into the Milan penalty area.

Natali – 5.5: A nervy display from the centre back, who looked ill at ease at times on dealing with Pato.

Di Loreto- 5.5: Also struggled with Pato’s fancy footwork. Would have scored an own goal had it not been for Fontana.

Pisano – 6: Steady if not spectacular. Rather too cautious to push forward, even if defensively he was fine.

Rosina - 6: Disappointing in the first half, but very lively after the break. Missed Torino’s best chance when he was superbly tackled by Kaladze.

Grella – 6: A sound performance from the Australian in the middle-of-the-park. Gave as good as he got.

P.Zanetti – 7.5: Hugely impressive. Zanetti was prominent at both ends of the field, and clearly won his personal battle with Gattuso.

Corini – 6: Kept the game ticking for Torino did the veteran. A fine passer who is always a dangerous creative influence if given time on the ball.

Stellone – 7: I like to call Stellone the ‘Torino Dirk Kuyt’. The striker never stops working for the entire 90 minutes. What he lacks in quality he makes up for in heart. A real handful.

Di Michele - 4.5: Never got into the game did Di Michele. I didn’t even know he was on the pitch until he was substituted on 72 minutes.

Substitutes: Ventola - 5.5, Recoba – 6, Motta– N.A  

Milan

Kalac – 6.0: Did not have too many saves to make all game, but was largely reliable when called upon.

Oddo - 7: Oddo has been one of Milan’s most impressive players in recent weeks, and he was again up-and-down the right like a train this afternoon.

Nesta – 6.5: Sound performance from Nesta, who was a calming influence at the back.

Kaladze - 7.0: A few nervy moments, but he made one simply brilliant tackle to deny Rosina at the beginning of the second half.

Maldini – 7.5: Yet again defied his years with a wonderful performance. He was granted a standing ovation when he was replaced on 80 minutes.

Gattuso - 5: Gattuso is clearly on a downward spiral. He just does not have the energy he used to have. Time for Roberto Donadoni to axe him from the Italy starting XI.

Ambrosini – 6: Battled well in midfield, without really showing too much quality. An average game but nothing more.

Pirlo – 6: Pirlo had his spells during the match, but he still is struggling. Looks mentally tired, as well as physically.

Seedorf – 8: Linked the play between midfield and attack, and with a bit of luck could have had a hat-trick. Hit the crossbar, was twice denied by Fontana, and also helped set-up the winner. 

Pato – 8: Given time this player is going to be one of, if not, the best forward in the world. Still needs to mature, but his potential is frightening. Unstoppable at times today, and scored the crucial goal.

Gilardino - 7: I feel so happy to be able to give Gilardino a positive mark. Struggled in the first half, but was pivotal after the break, created Pato’s goal, and was also denied himself by a great Fontana save.

Substitutes:  Brocchi – 6.5, Favalli – N.A, Emerson – N.A