AC Milan average across the board in narrow win over 10-man Bologna

As they continue their pursuit of a sixth-place finish in Serie A this season, AC Milan picked up three crucial points on Saturday night in a 1-0 win over Bologna.

While the result will suffice at this stage of the season, it doesn't tell the full story of the Rossoneri, who were largely disappointing again.

Carlos Bacca secured the win from the penalty spot, but after Amadou Diawara had been sent off for the hosts after just 12 minutes, it was bitterly disappointing to see Milan fail to take full advantage and pick up a convincing win.

With Roma heading to the San Siro for the final game of the season next weekend ahead of Milan's Coppa Italia final against Juventus on May 21, Milan head coach Cristian Brocchi faces the most difficult fortnight of his tenure thus far as he bids to oversee a successful end to the campaign.

Player ratings (1-10; 10=best; players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating):

GK Gianluigi Donnarumma, 6 -- After a tough outing last weekend in which he was criticised for making a few errors, it was a good response from the youngster. Didn't have a great deal to do but will be boosted by keeping a clean sheet.

DF Davide Calabria, 6 -- Considering the circumstances, the 19-year-old did well as he made his return to the starting lineup. Solid if not spectacular, he did enough to make a strong case to keep his spot next weekend.

DF Philippe Mexes, 6 -- A surprise selection from Brocchi, but the Frenchman slotted in with minimal fuss and produced a decent display. While's he not a long-term option, he did enough to remind the hierarchy that he can still play a role if called upon.

DF Alessio Romagnoli, 6 -- Similar to his central defensive partner, did well enough in keeping Bologna at bay in an intense game. Troubled at times but will be pleased with the clean sheet.

DF Mattia De Sciglio, 6 -- The Italian international produced a decent performance as he did his defensive job well, while also trying to break forward at every opportunity. His distribution, along with that of several of his teammates, needs to improve.

MF Juraj Kucka, 5 -- After making such a positive start to life at Milan, Kucka seems to be declining from a physical point of view. Still as combative as ever, he wasn't able to drive his team forward as he has done in the past and lacked composure in possession.

MF Riccardo Montolivo, 5 -- It was another slow and predictable performance from the captain, who didn't do anything to inspire his side to go out and grab a win. Especially considering the man advantage, it was disappointing not to see Milan take control of the game.

MF Jose Mauri, 6 -- May have lacked quality from an offensive perspective, but his commitment, desire and bite in midfield are becoming a refreshing sight in this Milan side. The former Parma starlet is proving that he can have a big future at the club.

MF Keisuke Honda, 6 -- If the Japanese international is to play in the trequartista role, Milan need more of a decisive contribution from him to break teams down. Improved in the second half and produced some good play but needs to take it up another level.

FW Luiz Adriano, 6 -- Worked hard for the team off the ball, as always, and had several chances to get his name on the scoresheet. Will be frustrated that he wasn't able to find the back of the net but contributed a lot to the win.

FW Carlos Bacca, 5 -- Kept his cool from the penalty spot to secure the win in an otherwise quiet performance. Through a combination of lack of service and sharpness in the final third, he's still missing his edge that made him so effective previously.

Substitutes:

MF Andrea Bertolacci, 5 -- Booked within seconds of coming off the bench and didn't contribute much thereafter, even if he did help keep a foothold in midfield for the Rossoneri.

MF Andrea Poli, 5 -- Gave Milan more solidity in midfield in the last 20 minutes or so.

MF Kevin-Prince Boateng, NR -- Merely brought on to add numbers in midfield and protect the lead.

Sumeet Paul has written for various websites providing Serie A coverage. He can be found on Twitter @SP_Calcio for all things Italian football.