Milan returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Bologna on Saturday afternoon, temporarily extending their lead to five points at the top of Serie A.

I Rossoneri almost took the lead early on when Theo Hernandez rattled the crossbar from a long-range free-kick. The visitors did break the deadlock on 26 minutes, when Rafael Leao was brought down in the box, and although Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s penalty was saved by Lukasz Skorupski, Ante Rebic was on hand to slot home the rebound.

Rebic puts Milan in front from a penalty rebound! ?⚫

Zlatan’s penalty was well-saved by Skorupski, who’s made a number of excellent saves in this first half ? pic.twitter.com/Yfd9eGtoQY

— Premier Sports ? (@PremierSportsTV) January 30, 2021

Milan were then handed the opportunity to double their lead, when Bologna defender Adama Soumaoro handled the ball in the box, and this time Franck Kessie made no mistake from 12 yards.

The visitors controlled the game, but inexplicably allowed Bologna back in with a sniff, when Andrea Pioli rifled into the roof of Gianluigi Donnarumma’s net with 10 minutes to play. Stefano Pioli’s men hung on, however, and earned a vital three points.

Let’s take a look at the player ratings from Saturday’s big game.

Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK) – 8/10 – Made two huge, huge saves towards the end of the first half as Bologna, with the second especially good. No chance in stopping Pioli’s strike and produced an amazing stop to prevent Bologna from levelling late on.

Davide Calabria (RB) – 7/10 – Whipped in a superb cross from the right in the first half, which deserved a gamble from his teammates. Could have doubled the lead with a diving header.

Fikayo Tomori (CB) – 8/10 – An extremely composed display from the loanee. Wonderfully calm in possession, picking out midfielders in space and setting the visitors in motion. Provided a couple of key tackles and gave a solid league debut.

Alessio Romagnoli (CB) – 7/10 – Caught out of position and left his fellow defenders horribly exposed late in the first half, but other than that, the captain led with authority for the league leaders.

Theo Hernandez (LB) – 6/10 – Hit the crossbar with a deep free-kick, which was probably a cross. Took a risk in possession and almost let Orsolini equalise in the first half, but the Italian shot wide. Gifted Bologna a lifeline by handing them the ball for Pioli’s effort.

Franck Kessie (CM) – 8/10 – Protected the back four with typical tenacity, sitting deep and biting into tackles when required. Coolly slotted his penalty down the middle, showing Ibra how it’s done.

Sandro Tonali (CM) – 6/10 – A better display from the youngster but still not the player Milan thought they’d signed. Unable to take the game by the scruff of its neck.

Rafael Leao (AM) – 8/10 – Played well in the number 10 role, using his lightning dribbling to set Milan on the move. Picked out Ibrahimovic with a couple of nice threaded balls. Won the early penalty to get I Rossoneri firing.

Alexis Saelemaekers (RW) – 7/10 – Offered so much defensive cover and sacrificed plenty of his attacking threat to nullify Bologna’s advances. A selfless and committed display from the young star.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (ST) – 6/10 – Denied twice in a matter of seconds by an incredible Skorupski double save. Missed another penalty and was fortunate that Rebic was quickest to the second ball.

Ante Rebic (LW) – 8/10 – Dug Ibrahimovic out of a hole by tapping home the rebound from the Swede’s missed spot-kick. Picked up a yellow card for a late challenge in the second half.

⏱ 73′@RafaeLeao7 comes off after an excellent showing in a new position. @MarioMandzukic9 takes his place#BolognaMilan 0-2 #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/L4a1E3ZKcW

— AC Milan (@acmilan) January 30, 2021

Ismael Bennacer (CM) – 6/10

Rade Krunic (CM) – 6/10

Mario Mandzukic (LW) – 6/10