Milan secured a crucial three points with a 1-0 win over Fiorentina at home today. A late goal from Rafael Leao saw the Rossoneri get the win. However, they had a number of scoring opportunities throughout the match but were not able to cash in on them.
Nonetheless, it’s a crucial win for Milan in their quest to win the Scudetto this season.
Starting XIs: Milan Unchanged, Fiorentina Make Six Changes
Milan were unchanged from their victory over Lazio at Rome while Fiorentina made five changes from their crushing home defeat to Udinese. Igor Julio replaced Lucas Martinez Quarta while Lorenzo Venuti started in place of Alvaro Odriozola.
In midfield, Sofyan Amrabat and Youssef Maleh were preferred ahead of Giacomo Bonaventura and Lucas Torreira while Arthur Cabral and Riccardo Saponara replaced Krzysztof Piatek and Riccardo Sottil respectively.
Neither Side Can Cash In on Their Chances
Both teams looked to attack with Fiorentina having a good chance to score through Igor whose shot was wide. Milan’s first good chance came from Theo Hernandez but the Frenchman’s shot hit the side netting. The Rossoneri had another good chance when Franck Kessié played in a brilliant pass towards Olivier Giroud. However, the former Arsenal shot hit his shot wide.
Fiorentina’s backline was often tested but they never shied away from taking the initiative to attack. Riccardo Saponara was making things tough for the Milan defense and he took a shot at goal but Mike Maignan managed to make the save to deny him.
The hosts attacked hard during the remainder of the first half but the Fiorentina backline was rigid.
Leao Seals Victory for Milan
Fiorentina made a change at the interval with Martinez Quarta replacing Venuti. Milan had a glorious chance to open the scoring after a brilliant move involving Brahim Diaz and Giroud. However Rafal Leao shot from close range and hit his shot over the crossbar. Shortly after, Kessie had a chance to score but his shot was saved by Terracciano.
Milan brought on some fresh legs in Rade Krunic and Ante Rebic. They later brought on the experienced Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Fiorentina had a very good opportunity to score when Cristiano Biraghi delivered a cross towards Cabral. However, the latter’s header produced a magnificent save from Maignan.
Milan finally got the goal they were craving for thanks to a major error from Terracciano. The Fiorentina custodian sent the ball towards Leao who went on to find the net to open the scoring for his side.
La Viola tried hard to find an equalizer but were unable to do so and Milan got the three points.
Stefano Pioli will be happy with his team’s win but at the same time, he will also worry about the number of chances they were not able to convert. Milan will have to be more clinical if they are to win their remaining matches and win Serie A.
What’s Next for Milan and Fiorentina
Milan next travel to Verona to take on the Mastini next Sunday. Igor Tudor’s side have lost just one of their last six home fixtures so they should not be taken lightly, especially when Giovanni Simeone is present. Fiorentina host Jose Mourinho’s Roma and it will be a daunting task for them to win.
MATCH SCORECARD
May 1, 2022 – Serie A 2021-2022 Round 35
MILAN – FIORENTINA 1-0
SCORERS: 82′ Rafael Leao
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MILAN (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Calabria, Kalulu, Tomori, Hernandez; Tonali, Kessie (79′ Bennacer); Messias (56′ Rebic), Brahim Diaz (56′ Krunic), Rafael Leao; Giroud (67′ Ibrahimovic) (Tatarusanu, Mirante, Ballo-Touré, Castillejo, Romagnoli, Florenzi, Bakayoko, Gabbia, Saelemakers) Coach: Pioli |
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FIORENTINA (4-3-3): Terracciano; Venuti (46′ Martinez Quarta), Milenkovic, Igor, Biraghi; Duncan (67′ Torreira), Amrabat, Maleh; Gonzalez (67′ Ikone), Cabral, Saponara (81′ Sottil) (Dragowski, Rosati, Callejon, Terzic, Piatek, Nastasic, Kokorin) Coach: Italiano |
NOTES: Yellow Cards: Venuti (F), Maleh (F), Martinez Quarta (F), Bennacer (M); Added Time: 1st Half 1′, 2nd Half 5′