Milan 4-1 Cagliari: Player ratings as Olivier Giroud nets brace in Milan win

A flurry of first-half goals provided Milan with the platform for a comfortable Serie A victory over Cagliari on Sunday night, as Olivier Giroud netted his first strikes for the club following his move from Chelsea.

Sandro Tonali opened the scoring with a curling free kick before the Rossoneri were immediately pegged back by a flying header from Alessandro Deiola after just a quarter of an hour.

However, within ten minutes the hosts were 3-1 up, with Brahim Diaz first deflecting home a drive from teammate Rafael Leao before turning provider for Giroud's lovely first-time finish.

Diaz was involved again as his shot was blocked by a flailing arm on the precipice of the penalty area shortly ahead of half-time, and Giroud converted the resulting spot-kick to make it a resounding 4-1 at the break.

It was simply a matter of seeing the game out for Milan in the second period, although Ante Rebic did come close to adding to the lead, while Mike Maignan was forced into a good save from a free kick.

The result leaves Milan fourth in Serie A two games in.

Here's how the Rossoneri players rated on Sunday night...

AC MILAN PLAYER RATINGS

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Mike Maignan (GK) - 6/10 - Not given much chance with Cagliari's equaliser. Barely had anything to do in the rest of the match other than a save from a late free kick right on the goalline.

Davide Calabria (RB) - 6/10 - Outmuscled and out-jumped for Deiola's leveller. Useful going forward with his crossing, but switched off on a couple of occasions at the back.

Simon Kjaer (CB) - 7/10 - Among those in no man's land for the quick-fire leveller. Otherwise typically imperious, marshalling the back line.

Fikayo Tomori (CB) - 6/10 - Drawn out to leave Calabria exposed for the visitor's goal. Almost nabbed one himself with a well-saved first-half volley. Like his centre-back partner, solid.

Theo Hernandez (LB) - 7/10 - Typically marauding. Almost provided a wonderful assist for Giroud with a mesmeric piece of skill. Heavily involved in the build-up to two of the goals.

2. Midfielders

Sandro Tonali (DM) - 7/10 - Opened the scoring by curling home a free kick. Carried the ball forward well but also provided decent protection at the other end. Subbed.

Rade Krunic (DM) - 7/10 - Busy alongside Tonali, breaking up play with interceptions and progressing the ball forward.

Brahim Diaz (AM) - 8/10 - Drove forward and laid on a lovely assist for Giroud's first. Also fired the shot that earned Milan a penalty for a handball just before half-time. Dazzling dribbling ability - wonderful to watch throughout. Booked.

3. Forwards

Alexis Saelemaekers (RW) - 7/10 - Exceptional work-rate from the Belgian. Won't have grabbed the headlines but was industrious from minute one.

Olivier Giroud (ST) - 9/10 - Graceful, accurate first-time finish to open the scoring and an unerring penalty for his second. Typically full of flicks and delicate touches. He really suits Serie A.

Rafael Leao (LW) - 8/10 - Flicked through brilliantly by Giroud early on, but denied by a wonderful sliding block. Eventually awarded a goal after Diaz deflected his shot home. Strong and dangerous throughout until he was subbed.

4. Substitutes

Ante Rebic - 6/10

Alessandro Florenzi - 6/10

Ismael Bennacer - 6/10

Daniel Maldini - N/A

Samu Castillejo - N/A