Fiorentina 0-1 AC Milan: Calhanoglu header keeps Rossoneri in Champions League race

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AC Milan were under pressure this evening against Fiorentina, as Atalanta won their game earlier today, forcing the Rossoneri to grab all three points in order to stay within reach of a top-four finish. 

Fortunately for Gattuso’s men, they managed to snatch a victory at Artemio Franchi, which is their first at that stadium since 2014. In other words, a very important signal to send as the Champions League race is coming to an end. However, despite the win, they will have to depend on other teams to slip up in order to get what they want. 

MATCH REPORT

The away side started the game fairly well, taking control of possession while looking the more confident team. Unlike in recent games, Gattuso’s men seemed to be taking their time in the build-up phase, which has a positive effect on their overall play. 

After 20 minutes, Musacchio managed to find Suso in the box, but the Spaniard failed to get his shot on either side of Lafont, firing it straight at the goalkeeper. Three minutes later, it was Calhanoglu’s time to shoot as he fired away a low-driven strike. However, Lafont was equal to it and made a brilliant save to keep the scores level. Ten minutes later, though, Calhanoglu managed to beat the goalkeeper as he got his head to Suso’s cross, giving Milan a well-deserved lead.

The whistle was blown for half-time with the Rossoneri looking like the stronger side, having taken the lead to show for it. In fact, they could’ve even been up by more than one goal, but their superiority was about the fade as the second half kicked off. Fiorentina seemingly picked up the pace for the final 45 minutes, which proved difficult for Milan.

In the 52nd minute, Chiesa tried his luck from distance and nearly found the equaliser, but his effort went just over the bar with Donnarumma being nowhere near it. Three minutes later, Mirallas was through on goal, but the big man in goal made a great save at the first post, certainly keeping his side in the lead.

Fortunately, the Rossoneri managed to get a grip of the game once again, though failing to create any dangerous chances, bar an opportunity for Cutrone which the youngster fired just wide. In the end, Milan were saved by Romagnoli as the captain made a heroic challenge to clear Donnarumma’s rebound just in front of goal.

Three very important points, secured thanks to a good first-half performance combined with Fiorentina’s struggles. In any case, a win is all that matters and this means that Milan are still well within the top four race, being only three points behind Atalanta.

PLAYER RATINGS

Donnarumma: 7,5

Abate: 7
Musacchio: 6
Romagnoli: 7
Rodriguez: 6

Kessie: 6
Bakayoko: 7
Calhanoglu: 7,5

Suso: 7 (Castillejo: N/A)
Piatek: 6 (Cutrone: 6)
Borini: 6,5 (Laxalt: N/A)

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