Milan came out on top of a pulsating home fixture against Fiorentina to maintain a two-point lead at the Serie A summit. Rafael Leao stole the show at San Siro, scoring a late goal to bring the Rossoneri a step closer to a long-awaited Scudetto.
Milan suffered a lot against Vincenzo Italiano’s men on Sunday afternoon, but the Portuguese winger’s late heroics got them over the line. Stefano Pioli’s side endured an uneventful first half, as Olivier Giroud squandered the best chance of the game after sending the ball well wide in a one-on-one situation.
However, Milan approached the second half with much more energy and determination, with Leao wasting a glorious opportunity only a few minutes after the break. Chances were flying in front of Pietro Terracciano’s goal, but Franck Kessie and Theo Hernandez failed to convert a couple of promising situations.
And when the Rossoneri looked on the front foot, Fiorentina came close to breaking the deadlock through Arthur Cabral. Only thanks to Mike Maignan’s stunning save had Milan avoided falling behind midway through the second half.
The decisive moment took place in the 82nd minute as Leao brutally punished Terracciano’s blunder to secure an all-important three points for Pioli’s side. The Rossoneri boss hailed the fans who filled San Siro for the first time in a while to put more wind in Milans’ sails.
“I don’t read, but I hear when they said that Milan were strong because there were no fans. What nonsense! When we arrive at the stadium, when they cheer us on, they put on a show. All together we are stronger,” he said, as relayed MilanNews.
Pioli also heaped praise on his team’s performance as Milan once again displayed their ability to thrive in close-contested fixtures.
“The team fought, as always, with great mentality; the most important thing is that, despite the passage of time, they have never been hectic, but I saw them eager and energetic.
“It only happens to those who believe in it and I have a group that believes in it. The boys can determine the performance and the result. There is satisfaction for this victory. Each extra brick we put in can be heavy.“