Milan vs Lazio 2-0: Rafael Leao and Ibrahimovic Deliver the Goods

Milan made it three out of three, extending their perfect league start, as they beat Lazio 2-0 at the San Siro in the big match of Serie A Round 3. Goals from Rafael Leao and Zlatan Ibrahimovic got the job done for Stefano Pioli’s side, who reached Napoli at the top of the table as they wait for Roma to also attempt to get their third win in a row tonight against Sassuolo.

Stefano Pioli has a tough challenge ahead as the Rossoneri prepare to comeback to Champions League at Liverpool after a seven-year drought. Thus, some turnover was required. Alessandro Florenzi made his debut from the start as right winger, while captain Alessio Romagnoli recovered a starting spot after many months. Franck Kessié also made his seasonal debut while Zlatan Ibrahimovic started from the bench – it was Ante Rebic to spearhead the attack.

For Lazio, Maurizio Sarri chose Felipe Anderson to complete his three-man attacking line also featuring Pedro and, of course, Ciro Immobile. Deadline-day signing Mattia Zaccagni sat on the bench.  

#MilanLazio
? Florenzi makes his full debut while Kessie and the Captain are back ?

? Prima da titolare per @Florenzi, tornano Kessie e Romagnoli ?#SempreMilan @EASPORTSFIFA pic.twitter.com/1gR2jyGKZ4

— AC Milan (@acmilan) September 12, 2021

The match pace in the first half was impressive despite the hot temperature. Milan had the upper hand for at least 25 minutes, with Adam Marusic struggling to contain Rafael Leao’s offenses from the left chain. Maurizio Sarri and Lazio needed some time to take counter measures but ultimately neither of the keepers suffered any major threat as the two sides cancelled each other.

Milan and Lazio seemed ready to go to the break on a nil-nil stalemate, but the home side pressure finally bore fruit at the end of a beautiful exchange between Rafael Leao and Rebic. Leao triggered a swift counterattack with a 40-meter run and served the Croat, who promptly delivered the ball back to him as the Portuguese positioned himself in the middle of the box. Rafael Leao controlled it with his left foot and whipped it past the Lazio goalkeeper with his right one, tallying his second goal with Milan this season.

The Rossoneri had also the time to build a two-goal cushion as referee Daniele Chiffi allowed a penalty for a Ciro Immobile kick to Franck Kessié in the box. But, this time, the almost flawless penalty-taker hit the crossbar with his conversion attempt.

? Mister #Sarri ha scelto l'undici per sfidare il @acmilan! #CMonEagles ? pic.twitter.com/iDq8ZWT78H

— S.S.Lazio (@OfficialSSLazio) September 12, 2021

Fifteen minutes into the second half, it was time for Ibra’s comeback. The big Swede took the field four months after his last appearance, donning a brand-hew hairstyle featuring a braid (!). Tiémoué Bakayoko and Alexis Saelemaekers were also deployed by Pioli. Maurizio Sarri’s additions, on 63 minutes, were Mattia Zaccagni and Manuel Lazzari.

Ibrahimovic’s impact on the game was devastating, but while he was the one to write his name in the scorecard, most credit for Milan’s second goal must go Ante Rebic – who served his second winning assist of the game as he offered Ibra the easiest possible opportunity on the counter.

On 73 minutes, Maurizio Sarri gave some playing time to another Lazio newcomer, Toma Basic, while Pioli eventually launched 24-year-old Fodé Ballo-Touré. Both the Croatian and the Senegalese had a good impact on the game, giving some good indications to their coaches. 

The score wouldn’t change anymore, despite Ciro Immobile continuing to fight like a lion and being the only one to test Mike Maignan, forcing the French goalkeeper to save from his sudden shot on 81 minutes. The game ended with a small scuffle between the two sides, triggered by some quarrel between Zlatan and Lazzari right before the referee would blow for full time.  

For Lazio, it was a sudden wake-up after two enthusiastic win in a row. Milan, on the other hand, showed to have a roster deep enough to hold their own also in the Champions League. Their trip to Anfield on Wednesday will tell something more about that, while Lazio will have a prompt – but not easy – chance for redeem on Thursday as they travel to Istanbul to face Galatasaray in their Europa League opener. 

Welcome back, San Siro ?#MilanLazio #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/LF2tlNG2gt

— AC Milan (@acmilan) September 12, 2021

 

MATCH SCORECARD

September 12, 2021 – Serie A 2021-22 Round 3
MILAN – LAZIO 2-0

SCORERS: 45′ Rafael Leao, 67′ Ibrahimovic

REFEREE: Mr. Chiffi from Padova
NOTES: Yellow Cards: Bakayoko (M), Marusic, Luis Alberto, Reina, Hysaj (L); Red Card: Sarri (L); Added Time: 1st Half 3′, 2nd Half 4′