Player Ratings: Milan 1-2 Bologna

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

BOLOGNA

Francesco Antonioli: 7.5 – Despite Milan’s dominance he did not have too many difficult saves to make, but was always in the right place at the right time. One decisive stop from Shevchenko though.

Cristian Zenoni: 7 – One of Bologna’s best attacking outlets down the right, helping create Di Vaio’s goal.

Claudio Terzi: 6.5 – Made a few fine interceptions, and comfortably dealt with Shevchenko, even if he was lucky to get away with a possible handball shout.

Vangelis Moras: 6 – Good in the air, and made one goal-saving tackle on Inzaghi, but was poor in possession and put his side in trouble with some careless clearances.

Davide Bombardini: 6 – Not in his natural position, and it showed at times in the first half against Zambrotta. Improved after the break.

Nicola Mingazzini: 6 -  Had a good start, and made one superb challenge to stop Seedorf, but eventually lost out in midfield and was substituted for Mudingayi who steadied the Bologna ship.

Sergio Volpi: 6 – Neat and tidy in possession, but gained no foothold in midfield at all.

Martins Adailton: 6 – The Brazilian started brightly, but then faded into insignificance and was substituted on the hour mark.

Christian Amoroso: 7 – Excellent in midfield for Bologna. Created Di Vaio’s goal, and never stopped running all game.

Francesco Valiani: 7.5 – Started brightly, then disappeared, then emerged once again with 12 minutes to go with a stunning long-range winner.

Marco Di Vaio: 8.5 - A real livewire for Bologna all afternoon, and the Milan defence couldn’t cope with his workrate and counter-raids. Scored Bologna’s first, had two other efforts, and put in a heroic shift as the lone frontman.

Substitutions

Gaby Mudingayi: 7

Massimo Marazzina: 6

Marcello Castellini: N/A

Carlo Garganese