AC MILAN BEATEN AT THE MARASSI

The game between Sampdoria and AC Milan 1-0 at the Marassi on matchday 29 in Serie A. The Blucerchiati won it through Defrel's goal, which came seconds after kick-off. It's a tough defeat for the Rossoneri on the back of the loss in the Derby, with the team having struggled to cope with the hosts' intense game and the passages of play they produced. The Diavolo's build-up play was particularly lacking as they struggled to fashion clear-cut chances. The opportunities the Rossoneri did create came mostly in the final stages, but Sampdoria goalkeeper Audero was always on hand to deny Gattuso's men. AC Milan remain in fourth position, five ahead of Roma, who have a match against Napoli on Sunday. The Rossoneri need to get back on track immediately, and they have an opportunity to do so on Tuesday, when they'll face Udinese at San Siro. It'll no doubt be a difficult game, but it'll be one that will say a lot about the desire and character of our lads.

CHECK OUT THE BEST PHOTOS FROM SAMP V AC MILAN

MATCH REPORT 

AC Milan got off to the worst possible start as Donnarumma played the ball straight to Gregoire Defrel, who took full advantage and fired the ball into the back of the net. In the 17th minute, Quagliarella forced a fingertip save from the Rossoneri goalkeeper after getting in behind AC Milan's defence. The Diavolo responded through Suso after 25 minutes, whose curling strike forced Audero to make a great save down low. The Rossoneri came so close to drawing level just seconds before half-time as Musacchio chested the ball down and fired the ball towards goal, only to see it deflect off Vieira and go just wide for a corner. In the 57th minute, Samp could have doubled their lead through Defrel, but he fired over when in a good position. It was then AC Milan’s turn to attack just before the hour mark: Suso's left-footed shot was deflected inches wide after the Spaniard had cut in from the right. After 73 minutes, Quagliarella went close for Samp as his strike bounced off the crossbar after taking a deflection. Ten minutes before the 90-minute mark, Donnarumma got down low to deny Defrel. As the match was drawing to a close, the Rossoneri went close three times as Cutrone was denied twice by Audero and Piatek also saw his header saved by the Sampdoria goalkeeper. It therefore ended 1-0 to the home side.

MATCH SUMMARY

SAMPDORIA 1-0 AC MILAN

SAMPDORIA (4-3-1-2): Audero; Sala, Andersen, Colley, Murru; Linetty, Praet, Vieira (79' Jankto), Ramirez (67' Saponara); Defrel, Quagliarella (87' Gabbiadini). Subs.: Rafael, Belec, Bereszynski, Ferrari, Tonelli, Tavares, Sau. Coach: Giampaolo.

MILAN (4-3-3): G. Donnarumma; Calabria, Musacchio, Romagnoli, Rodriguez (46' Conti); Bakayoko, Biglia (71' Paquetá), Calhanoglu; Suso (64' Cutrone), Piatek, Castillejo. Subs.: A. Donnarumma, Reina, Abate, Caldara, Laxalt, Zapata, Bertolacci, Kessie, Borini. Coach: Gattuso.

Referee: Daniele Orsato from Schio.
Goals: 1' Defrel (S).
Booked: 16' Suso (M), 25' Castillejo (M), 37' Vieira (S), 65' Bakayoko (M), 91' Musacchio (S).

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