LAZIO AND PARMA: JOY FOLLOWED BY FRUSTRATION

AC MILAN V LAZIO: 11 METRES OF HOPE

End-of-season matches are often compared to finals and April's AC Milan v Lazio clash certainly fitted into this category – even if both teams had picked up just one point from their previous two matches. Milan had drawn against Udinese before then losing to Juve, while the Biancocelesti were defeated by SPAL and held by Sassuolo. However, Acerbi's "we're stronger technically" comments had certainly boosted Rossoneri motivation before the game. In terms of action, Lazio enjoyed a better start, while Milan were much improved after the interval. In addition to playing with increased precision, Gattuso’s decision to switch to a 3-5-2 also helped the home side. Kessie’s penalty eventually proved decisive, scoring what was his second goal of the season against Lazio. The match ultimately finished 1-0 – in what was a crucial result for the Rossoneri's league standings and also proving costly for Lazio’s hopes Champions League qualification.

PARMA V AC MILAN: TWO POINTS LOST

After a week of headlines dominated by the Acerbi shirt controversy, it was then time for the team to return their focus to on-field matters. After both avoiding suspension, midfielders Kessie and Bakayoko were available for the match at the Tardini, however, Tiémoué was struggling for fitness after taking an earlier knock. It was a sluggish start for Milan, perhaps due to the early 12:30 CEST kick-off time and the Easter holiday festivities. Kucka’s Crociati were enjoying a solid performance, while the Rossoneri only kicked into gear after Cutrone’s introduction – then allowing for the visitors to play with two up front. The deadlock was finally broken thanks to Castillejo’s opener, gifting Milan what seemed like all three points, but it wasn’t to be. A series of unwanted mistakes soon led to a free-kick in a dangerous position, which was duly dispatched by the veteran BrunoAlves.

The official PUMA match kits for the 2019/20 season are available in the AC Milan Online Store!