AC MILAN FINISH FIFTH DESPITE WIN AT SPAL

Despite hope running through the team right from the off, even more so at half-time and for a large portion of the second half, a victory wasn’t enough to help AC Milan qualify for the Champions League on Sunday. In action at the Stadio Mazza, the Rossoneri beat SPAL 3-2 to pick up all three points, consequently finishing fifth ahead of Roma to secure direct access to the Europa League group stage. However, ultimately Milan were prevented from obtaining fourth due to Inter and Atalanta both also winning in their respective matches. Coach Gattuso’s side did what they had to do in Ferrara, although they were always dependent on other results. Promisingly, the Rossoneri finish the season with 68 points – which is their highest tally since the 2012-13 campaign. In the end, it was just one point that prevented the Diavolo from achieving their season’s goal. Undeniably, it’s been a season full of ups and downs, with some regret over certain results but also pride for what has been a great year overall. This matchday 38 fixture was settled thanks to goals from Calhanoglu and Kessie (x2), with the visitors successfully overcoming the Biancazzurri’s initial two-goal comeback to make it 2-2. To conclude, we end the season with a win and we now want to thank the lads for all that they’ve done.

CHECK OUT THE PHOTO GALLERY FROM SPAL V AC MILAN

MATCH REPORT
Attacking ambition was at the heart of the Rossoneri’s play right from the off on Sunday, with Viviano keeping out Piatek in the fifth minute. Six minutes later a long-range effort from Calhanoglu was also saved. Pressure soon paid off, however, as Calhanoglu fired the away side in front on the 18-minute mark. Their second of the night was scored just five minutes later, as Rodriguez freed Kessie who rocketed a powerful effort into the back of the net. SPAL pulled one back in the 28th minute after Vicari angled a header past Reina, while just before half-time Hakan had another opportunity but couldn’t find the target. Following the interval, Reina managed to keep out Fares in the 49th minute, although could do nothing to stop his fierce header four minutes later. With the scoreline tied at 2-2, Milan soon picked up the pace once again and in the 66th minute Piatek was brought down in the box. Kessie duly stepped up and made no mistake in firing Milan back in front. As the game entered its latter stages and emotions still running high, both Petagna and Cutrone had chances to score, while Floccari also hit the crossbar from a corner in the 89th minute.

SPAL 2-3 AC MILAN

SPAL (4-4-2): Viviano; Bonifazi, Cionek (77' Floccari), Vicari, Fares; Lazzari, Valoti (72' Jankovic), Murgia (91'), Kurtic; Antenucci, Petagna. A disp.: Gomis, Poluzzi, Fulignati; Costa, Dickmann, Felipe; Missiroli, Spina, Valdifiori. All.: Semplici.

AC MILAN (4-3-3): Donnarumma (21' Reina); Abate (63' Cutrone), Musacchio, Romagnoli, Rodriguez; Kessie, Bakayoko, Calhanoglu; Suso, Piatek, Borini (80' Conti). Subs: Donnarumma A.; Laxalt, Zapata; Biglia, Mauri; Castillejo. Coach: Gattuso.

Referee: Valeri from Roma.
Goals: 18' Calhanoglu (M), 23' and 66' Kessie (M), 28' Vicari (S), 53' Fares (S).
Booked: 27' Abate (M), 36' Bonifazi (S), 65' Cionek (S), 81' Bakayoko (M).

RELIVE SPAL V AC MILAN PLAY BY PLAY

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