ROSSONERI DEFEATED AT HOME
Serie A
AC Milan's matchday 32 fixture ended in defeat. At San Siro, Udinese ran out 0-3 winners as a result of an unfortunate own goal from Bartesaghi and a goal from Ekkelenkamp. Despite the attacking attempts from the Rossoneri (particularly Saelemaekers' chance that hit the crossbar), the decisive blow came in the final 20 minutes through Atta's goal, who'd already played a key role in the first goal to open the scoring. This marks a second consecutive loss for Allegri's side following the defeat to Napoli.
The tactical changes, including an new attacking trio (Saelemaekers-Leão-Pulisic) and a back four, didn't produce the desired effect on a bitter afternoon nor did they help to improve our position in the table. We remain in third place on 63 points. A strong response will be needed in the April matches if we are to achieve our goal of returning to the Champions League. We will be back in action next Sunday at 15:00 CEST, away to Hellas Verona, while we will return at San Siro in two weeks time - on 26 April - for the big match against Juventus. Forza ragazzi!
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM AC MILAN v UDINESE
MATCH REPORT
The match started in a lively fashion: following Zaniolo's attempt in the third minute, Pulisic proved dangerous with a run and shot that was blocked in the ninth minute. Then, in the 12th minute, Leão's effort ended up over the bar. Rafa pushed again in the 21st minute, but his shot was saved. We kept pushing forward but the visitors went ahead in the 27th minute when Atta finished off a slick counterattack, with the help of a deflection from Bartesaghi. We tried to bounce back. Leão missed a close range effort in the 32nd minute following a great cross from Pulisic, who also went close one minute later. There was a fright in the 35th minute as Davis struck a left-footed shot which hit the bar thanks to Maignan's strong hand. However, the visitors doubled their lead two minutes later through Ekkelenkamp. Before the break, Leão couldn't direct his header on target and Bartesaghi provided a goal line clearance.
A change was made at the break as Füllkrug replaced Athekame. AC Milan were constantly probing and Modrić forced Okoye into a save from 25 metres out, in the 50th minute. Saelemaekers hit the bar from the resulting corner kick as he forced Okoye into another save with a looping half-volley. Füllkrug failed to convert his header in the 56th minute, with Pavlović then doing the same in the 60th. Five minutes later, Rabiot had a left-footed shot from outside of the box. The following attempts from Fofana and Leão didn't prove successful, as Atta scored a third for the visitors in the 71st minute. There were no major chances in the latter stages, with Udinese proving to be more dangerous if anything. The full-time whistle came after three minutes of stoppage time.
MATCH DETAILS
AC MILAN 0-3 UDINESE
AC MILAN (4-3-3): Maignan; Athekame (46' Füllkrug), De Winter, Pavlović, Bartesaghi; Ricci (60' Fofana), Modrić (72' Jashari), Rabiot; Saelemaekers, Leão (77' Loftus-Cheek), Pulisic (72' Nkunku). Subs: Pittarella, Terracciano; Estupiñan, Gabbia, Odogu, Tomori; Gimenez. Coach: Allegri.
UDINESE (3-5-2): Okoye; Kristensen, Kabasele, Solet; Ehizibue, Ekkelenkamp (86' Miller), Karlström, Atta (85' Zarraga), Kamara; Zaniolo (66' Piotrowski), Davis (76' Gueye). Subs: Nunziante, Padelli, Sava; Arizala, Bertola, Mlačić; Camara; Bayo, Buksa. Coach: Runjaić.
Referee: Marchetti from Ostia Lido.
Goals: 27' o.g. Bartesaghi (U), 37' Ekkelenkamp (U), 71' Atta (U).
Booked: 16' Leão (M), 46' Kristensen (U).
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