BENNACER BELTER SINKS CAGLIARI
Serie A
We keep going without stopping and with such great team spirit. AC Milan are on their way and today recorded their third consecutive 1-0 win, this time away at Cagliari, who never looked at the races. In the rain at the Unipol Domus, it took a truly special effort on the volley - following Giroud's lay-off - from Ismaël Bennacer to win the game for the Rossoneri. It was the just rewards for the intrepid performance put in by Stefano Pioli's men.
This win is the product of a mature squad, who - this evening too - showed that they have all the necessary attributes to keep the dream alive. It was an applause-worthy night in Sardinia as they maintained their lead over Napoli and extended the gap with Inter, who were held to a draw by Fiorentina earlier today. We're heading into the business end of the season but we do, however, now have the final break of the season as we pause briefly for a round of international fixtures. Once we return, it will be April already and it's back to San Siro to host Bologna for the first game of what could just be an unforgettable run-in...
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM CAGLIARI v AC MILAN
MATCH REPORT
The Rossoneri made an aggressive start, going close on a number of occasions in the opening 15 minutes. The first chance of the game fell the way the way of Olivier Giroud, who, after a knock-down by Messias from Hernández’s left-wing cross, snatched at the ball from six yards out and sent it wide (6’). The next attempt of the game came from Kessie, whose long-range strike crashed against the post (12’). Just moments later, Díaz failed to get enough bend on his effort from well inside the box. Although the tempo proceeded to drop slightly, AC Milan continued to control matters and give very little away to the hosts. After a great bit of individual play, Messias shot straight at Cragno with his left foot (21’). With 34 minutes on the clock, Calabria played a great ball in Díaz’s direction, but the Spaniard was unable to take full advantage. Cagliari’s first real sight of goal came in the 37th minute, with Grassi drilling wide from outside the D. Just before half-time, Hernández charged forward and let fly, but his attempt wasn’t accurate.
As was the case in the opening period, AC Milan began the second half Leão had a go from inside the box, but a deflection saw the ball land in Cragno’s arms (49’). The Cagliari shot-stopper was called into action moments later, tipping Hernández’s left-footed scorcher over the bar. The Diavolo finally broke the deadlock just before the hour mark as Giroud flicked up the ball for Bennacer, who unleashed a stunning volley that flew into the net. AC Milan almost doubled their lead through Giroud, but Goldaniga got in the way to thwart the Frenchman in the six-yard box. The Diavolo looked well in control but still only held a one-goal advantage. In the 76th minute, they were grateful to Kalulu for deflecting João Pedro’s effort from a great position over the bar. With 84 minutes on the clock, Calabria had a golden opportunity to well and truly put the game to bed, but, after the Italian had received the ball from the newly introduced Rebić, Cragno stood firm to win the one-on-one battle. The resulting corner was met by Rebić, but Altare hacked clear. Hearts were in mouths in the 90th minute as Pavoletti’s diving header bounced off the ground and hit the bar, but the Rossoneri ultimately held on.
MATCH DETAILS
CAGLIARI 0-1 AC MILAN
CAGLIARI (3-4-2-1): Cragno; Goldaniga, Lovato, Altare; Bellanova (82' Pereiro), Grassi (82' Keita), Dalbert (75' Zappa), Lykogiannis (68' Deiola); João Pedro, Marin; Pavoletti. Subs.: Aresti, Radunović; Carboni, Ceppitelli, Obert; Kourfalidis; Ceter. Coach: Mazzarri.
AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Calabria, Kalulu, Tomori, Hernández; Bennacer, Kessie; Messias (78' Saelemaekers), Díaz (72' Krunić), Leão (72' Rebić); Giroud (87' Ibrahimović). Subs.: Mirante, Tătăruşanu; Ballo-Touré, Florenzi, Gabbia, Romagnoli; Bakayoko, Tonali. Coach: Pioli.
Referee: Di Bello from Brindisi.
Goal: 59' Bennacer (M).
Booked: 77' Bellanova (C).
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