AC Milan failed on Saturday evening at home to close the gap with direct rival Fiorentina. The difference between the eighth and ninth positions remains four points, making Champions League qualification almost an unrealistic goal for the Rossoneri.
Tijjani Reijnders was included in AC Milan’s starting lineup, while Santiago Gimenez began the match on the bench.
Playing at San Siro, Milan hoped to secure a vital win that could boost their chances of European qualification. However, the match quickly turned disastrous for the home side. Within just ten minutes, AC Milan found themselves trailing 0-2, leaving their fans stunned and frustrated.
The early deficit came as a result of an unfortunate own goal by Malick Thiaw, who inadvertently diverted the ball past his own goalkeeper. The incident exposed Milan’s defensive frailties, something that has plagued them throughout the season. To make matters worse, just moments later, Fiorentina doubled their lead through Moise Kean. The striker, who has been in sensational form this season, finished with composure, notching his 22nd goal of the campaign. Kean’s sharpness and consistency in front of goal have made him one of the standout performers in Serie A this season.
Fiorentina’s approach was clear: high-intensity pressing combined with clinical finishing. They demonstrated confidence and cohesion, qualities that have carried them through a highly successful campaign so far. Milan, meanwhile, looked rattled and disjointed, struggling to find their rhythm under the relentless pressure applied by Fiorentina.
The home side managed to reduce the deficit midway through the first half. Tammy Abraham, set up by a well-placed pass from Christian Pulisic, found the net with a precise finish. The goal offered a glimmer of hope for Milan, but their overall performance continued to lack fluency and organization. Despite having moments of individual brilliance, the team struggled to maintain possession and create sustained attacking pressure.
Sérgio Conceição, visibly frustrated by his team’s lethargic start, decided to make a bold tactical change in the 24th minute. Yunus Musah, who had been underperforming, was taken off well before halftime. This decision marked the second time this season that the American midfielder had been substituted before the break, with the previous instance occurring against Lazio. Musah’s reaction was one of clear frustration, as he marched straight down the players’ tunnel, visibly upset with his premature withdrawal.
However, in a moment of professionalism and maturity, Musah later emerged from the tunnel, approached Conceição, and offered a heartfelt apology for his reaction. He hugged the coach and expressed his remorse for the outburst, showcasing a level of accountability that the manager would have appreciated.
The second half saw Fiorentina maintain their composure and defensive solidity, but Milan gradually began to find their footing. Mike Maignan was called into action early in the half, producing a fine save from a Moise Kean effort. Fiorentina continued to threaten on the counterattack, utilizing Kean’s pace and movement to keep the Milan defense on high alert.
As the match wore on, Milan slowly grew into the game, displaying more urgency and attacking intent. Tijjani Reijnders and substitute Santiago Gimenez were among the most dangerous players for the Rossoneri, with Reijnders providing energy and creativity from midfield. Gimenez, introduced from the bench, immediately made his presence felt with his physicality and intelligent movement.
Just over an hour into the contest, Luka Jovic, who had been brought on as a substitute for Musah, made a significant impact. The Serbian forward scored the equalizer, capitalizing on a rare defensive lapse from Fiorentina. Jovic’s goal rejuvenated Milan and provided the home fans with renewed hope of a potential comeback.
However, despite their best efforts to push for a winner, Milan found themselves repeatedly thwarted by Fiorentina’s resilient defending. The visitors remained organized and disciplined, refusing to buckle under pressure.
In stoppage time, Fiorentina nearly snatched a dramatic victory when Dodô unleashed a sensational strike from distance. The ball soared into the top corner, sparking celebrations among the visiting players and supporters. However, their joy was short-lived as the goal was disallowed upon review, leaving the scoreline locked at 2-2.
The final moments of the match were marred by an injury to Santiago Gimenez, who was forced to leave the field after a heavy challenge. His exit was a worrying sight for Milan, particularly with crucial fixtures looming in both Serie A and the Coppa Italia.
The 2-2 draw leaves AC Milan in ninth place in Serie A, with only seven matches remaining to salvage their season. The gap to fourth-placed Bologna stands at nine points, making Champions League qualification an increasingly unrealistic objective. Milan’s inconsistency and defensive vulnerabilities have been recurring issues, and Sérgio Conceição faces a monumental task to turn things around.
To make matters worse, Milan’s domestic struggles come at a time when they are still competing in the Coppa Italia. They recently played out a draw against Internazionale in the first leg of their semi-final, leaving the tie finely balanced heading into the second leg. Conceição will need to find a way to inspire his squad if they are to progress to the final and potentially face Bologna, the team they are chasing in the league standings.
The pressure on Conceição is mounting, as Milan’s hopes of securing European football next season hinge on their performances in the coming weeks. The Coppa Italia may represent their most realistic chance of silverware and a route to European qualification, but their inconsistent form in Serie A is a cause for concern.
Fiorentina, on the other hand, will be satisfied with the result. They remain four points clear of Milan and continue to demonstrate the qualities that have made them one of the most difficult teams to face this season. Their ability to frustrate and disrupt opponents, coupled with Moise Kean’s prolific form, makes them a genuine contender for European qualification.
Milan’s failure to secure all three points is a reminder of the work that still needs to be done. While the late equalizer provided a measure of relief, the overall performance was far from convincing. With time running out and their objectives slipping away, the Rossoneri must find consistency and resilience if they are to salvage something from this turbulent season.
