Milan secured all-important three points in a tough Saturday encounter with Parma at the Stadio Ennio Tardini to move a step closer to returning to the Champions League. The Rossoneri have extended their lead on fifth-placed Napoli to seven points, although the Partenopei have a game in hand.
A 3-1 scoreline may give the impression of a comprehensive victory, but the current Serie A runners-up suffered a great deal against a combative Parma side.
Ante Rebic and Franck Kessié gave Milan a comfortable two-goal cushion at half-time, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s 60th-minute red card put the visitors in an awkward spot. Forced to defend their goal tooth and nail, the Lombardians allowed Parma to fight back, with Riccardo Gagliolo pulling one back for the hosts.
However, a lightning-fast counter-attack orchestrated by the substitutes Diogo Dalot and Rafael Leao restored Milan’s two-goal lead. In the end, the Rossoneri achieved their 13th win in 15 Serie A road trips this season.
During the post-match interview, Leao reflected on his strike and hailed his side’s performance in Emilia-Romagna.
“There are still eight games left, but I think this victory is important to continue with confidence,” he said.
“We fought to the end – the victory is deserved.
“Celebration? It is for my family that always helps me in difficult times, and this goal is for them.
“With Samp, we didn’t do well – this time we had to come in with the right attitude.”
Meanwhile, Parma’s hopes of avoiding relegation have suffered further damage as they now trail 17th-placed Torino by six points despite playing one game more.
After the game, the Crusaders boss Roberto D’Aversa slammed his team’s first-half performance.
“The difference between first and second half is not only the single change but the attitude that has changed throughout the team. In the first half, the whole team was shy, submissive, and did not play like a team that must remain in Serie A at all costs,” he said.
However, the under-fire tactician was happy with his team’s post-half-team reaction.
“In the second half, it was done, but it was not enough to bring home the positive result despite playing for most of the second half in numerical superiority.
“The difference in attitude was seen compared to the beginning of the match. I would like to point out that this is not only due to Cornelius’ entry but to everyone’s attitude.“