AC MILAN DENIED LATE ON IN FLORENCE
Serie A
Two points dropped: it's impossible to see tonight's draw in Florence any other way. The Rossoneri took the lead in the second half and had the numerical advantage after Dalbert's sending off, but ultimately the team were pegged back late on as Pulgar's spot-kick cancelled out Rebić's opener. Key moments went against AC Milan this evening, including Ibrahimović's disallowed goal and most notably the penalty incident that led to the equaliser. Just when it seemed like a precious victory was in sight, a big blow was struck. The Rossoneri, who went about their business in a positive fashion, were unfortunately unable to secure three points despite being one up with a man advantage. After matchday 25 of the Serie A season, the Diavolo sit on 36 points, joint-sixth in the table. Next weekend, at 12:30 CET on Sunday 1 March, AC Milan v Genoa will be played at San Siro.
SEE THE GALLERY FROM FIORENTINA V AC MILAN
MATCH REPORT
Fiorentina had the first effort of the game, with Milenkovic stinging Donnarumma's gloves after 12 minutes. A minute later, Castrovilli fired over the bar after Chiesa had won back possession in a dangerous position. In the 17th minute, it was AC Milan's turn to attack as Rebić saw his header parried away by Dragowski from point-blank range. It was an even game in the opening stages, but then it looked like the Diavolo had taken the lead: with 34 minutes on the clock, Ibrahimović produced a magnificent bit of play to break through the Fiorentina backline and slot past the Fiorentina goalkeeper, but the Swedish striker was adjudged to have handled the ball in the build-up. The Diavolo continued to push forward after half-time. After Bennacer had fired off target shortly after the restart, the deadlock was broken in the 56th minute as Rebić capitalised on Caceres's mistake at the back and fired into the net. Six minutes later Fiorentina were reduced to ten men after a VAR review: Dalbert was sent off for bringing down Zlatan, who was through on goal. There was a scare for the Rossoneri after 73 minutes: Vlahovic shot inches wide after a quick Viola break. Just as it looked like AC Milan were on their way to three points, the home side were awarded a penalty in the 85th minute: Romagnoli challenged Cutrone and the referee pointed to the spot. Pulgar then stepped up to score past Begović to level matters. And Fiorentina could have won it in added time as Begović brilliantly denied Caceres.
FIORENTINA 1-1 AC MILAN
FIORENTINA (3-5-2): Dragowski; Milenkovic, Pezzella, Caceres; Lirola (73' Igor), Duncan, Pulgar, Castrovilli (68' Cutrone), Dalbert; Chiesa, Vlahovic. Subs: Brancolini, Terracciano; Ceccherini, Dalle Mura, Terzic, Venuti; Agudelo, Benassi; Ghezzal, Sottil. Coach: Iachini.
AC MILAN (4-4-1-1): G. Donnarumma (52' Begović); Conti, Gabbia (74' Musacchio), Romagnoli, Hernández; Castillejo (80' Saelemaekers), Kessie, Bennacer, Rebić; Çalhanoğlu; Ibrahimović. Subs: A. Donnarumma; Calabria, Laxalt; Bonaventura, Brescianini, Paquetá; Leão, Maldini. Coach: Pioli.
Referee: Calvarese from Teramo.
Goals: 56' Rebić (M), 85' pen. Pulgar (F).
Booked: 12' Bennacer (M), 24' Çalhanoğlu (M), 76' Caceres (F), 85' Hernández (M).
Sent off: 62' Dalbert (F).
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