THE UNBEATEN RUN CONTINUES
Serie A
The Rossoneri go marching on, seemingly unstoppable. At the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, the Diavolo recorded its eighth win in eleven games. The usual big rehearsal, it's a film that has been watched and rewatched but never gets tiring. In fact, it was once again a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Another win, yet another fluid performance, another feast of goals - four tonight, 32 since the restart of Serie A. Today in particular though, the numbers shone through, both for the team and for various individuals. Ibrahimović bagged his second consecutive brace away from home and has contributed nine goals and five assists since he joined the club in January. Çalhanoğlu is becoming an increasingly influential figure. Donnarumma saved his fifth penalty in all competitions this season, and has denied the opposition from the spot in each of his last two games. The Rossoneri imposed themselves on Sampdoria's home ground and came away with a 4-1 win, thanks to goals from Zlatan, Hakan and Leão. It was an open game for the best part of an hour, but the final outcome was never really in doubt. Pioli's men dominated the game and created a hatful of chances. After matchday 37, AC Milan are on 63 points, still in sixth position but now within touching distance of Roma, who play later on tonight. The Rossoneri take on Cagliari at San Siro for their final game of the season (Saturday 1 August, 20:45 CEST).
THE GALLERY FROM SAMPDORIA V AC MILAN
MATCH REPORT
The Rossoneri got off to a flying start. They took the lead in the fourth minute with their very first attack; it was Ibrahimović who scored, but the credit has to go to Rebić, who escaped down the left wing and played in a delightful cross. Zlatan rose highest in the box and headed past Falcone. The opposition goalkeeper was very busy in the opening stage of the game, he denied Hernández (8') and, three minutes later, Rebić. Samp looked to hit back, but shots from Linetty and Depaoli were off target. The hosts grew into the game; in the 23rd minute, Ramirez attempted to bring Samp level. However, the away side remained largely on top of proceedings; in the 30th minute, Hernández fed Ibrahimović, who fired goalwards but Yoshida was there to deny the Swede. Gabbia also had a go from some way out, then Çalhanoğlu's free kick went agonisingly close to going in (36'). After two minutes of added time, the first half came to a close.
The hosts started well after the break. In the 51st minute, Donnarumma was called into action as he saved a good Quagliarella free kick - Colley fired the rebound over the bar. The Blucerchiati's forward momentum didn't last long. Çalhanoğlu doubled AC Milan's lead in the 52nd minute after he latched on to Ibrahimović's ball in. The referee had blown for a foul against the Turk, but overturned his intial decision after consulting VAR. Roles were then reversed in the 58th minute; Çalha assisted Ibra, who bagged his second and AC Milan's third. In amongst the Diavolo's festival of goals, Gigio made a brilliant save to deny Quagliarella (60'). VAR repayed the favour to Samp and awarded the home side a penalty in the 77th minute for Kjær's foul on Bertolacci. But, Donnarumma stood strong and denied Maroni from the spot. Askildsen scored a brilliant consolation goal late on (87'), but Leão sealed the deal with a fantastic finish from the edge of the box (92'). The referee blew the final whistle after four minutes of added time.
SAMPDORIA 1-4 AC MILAN
SAMPDORIA (4-4-2): Falcone; Bereszynski, Yoshida, Colley, Augello; Depaoli (46' Leris), Linetty (74' Askildsen), Vieira (74' Bertolacci), Jankto; Ramirez (46' Maroni), Quagliarella (74' Gabbiadini). Subs: Audero; Ferrari, Murru, Rocha, Tonelli; Bonazzoli, La Gumina. Coach: Ranieri.
AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): G. Donnarumma; Calabria (62' Castillejo), Kjær, Gabbia, Hernández; Kessie (79' Biglia), Bennacer; Saelemaekers, Çalhanoğlu (62' Bonaventura), Rebić (46' Leão); Ibrahimović (79' Paquetá). Subs: Begović, A. Donnarumma; Duarte, Laxalt; Brescianini, Krunić; Maldini. Coach: Pioli.
Referee: Pasqua from Tivoli.
Goals: 4' e 58' Ibrahimović (M), 52' Çalhanoğlu (M), 87' Askildsen (S), 92' Leão (M).
Booked: 36' Bereszynski (S), 51' Rebić (M).
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