Spezia 2-0 AC Milan – Serie A result
Spezia’s Wisniewski and Esposito dent Rossoneri’s top-four hopes
Spezia 2-0 AC Milan – Serie A result as Rossoneri top-four race received massive blow with the defeat by relegation-threatened size Spezia.
It was thought to be an easy 3-point win far from home, but Stefano Pioli’s men seemingly lost their momentum totally ahead of the crucial fixture this week against Inter, while their hope for a Serie A’s top four finish looks very much unlikely.
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What happened
Marching to Stadio Alberto Picco with the record of seven-match league unbeaten against bottom-side Spezia, but it was all but another frustrating display from the visitors.
Milan put Ante Rebic in front as Olivier Giroud only named on the bench and Rafael Leao absent from the squad altogether, however, the Croatian did not impress with his blunt display.
Pioli’s men hit the woodwork twice while Rebic registered only one shot that missed the target. Rebic managed just 21 touches and completed just seven passes before Pioli saw enough, replacing him with Giroud in the 71st minute.
Meanwhile, the host proved to be more crucial when it came to score as Przemyslaw Wisniewski and Salvatore Esposito struck late to claim three points for the first time in nine league games.
With 15 minutes remaining, Spezia’s Kelvin Amian hitting the post from a corner before Wisniewski poked in the rebound to send the home fans into raptures. Esposito then secured the victory with a stunning free-kick into the top-left corner.
Milan’s status after the defeat
The result means fifth-placed Milan remain four points behind fourth-placed Lazio and five behind rival Inter Milan.
What could save Rossoneri after this slip-up this weekend? The Ultras seemed to be annoyed by the club’s performance so far with only two wins in five games.
Pioli and his squad headed to the stands and took time to hear the Milan’s ultras expressing their feelings after the defeat, which was a rare and impressive scene.
What’s next
Milan will look to pull off a miraculous comeback on Tuesday when they face Inter at San Siro in the Champions League semi-finals, looking to overturn a two-goal deficit.