AC Milan suffered their first loss in the league in two months, and their chances of finishing in the top four were significantly diminished as a result of Spezia’s shocking 2-0 home victory over them.
Both goals came in the second half. Spezia’s defender Przemyslaw Wisniewski and midfielder Salvatore Esposito were instrumental in the team’s first victory in nine matches, which brought them one step closer to avoiding relegation.
After suffering a defeat at home by a score of 2-0 in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final, Milan’s next Champions league match is on Tuesday against Inter Milan. Milan after winning only two out of last seven matches, have a total of 61 points, which puts them in fifth place in the standings, five points behind fourth-placed Inter.
Sandro Tonali’s shot struck the post in the sixth minute of an exciting first half, and Bartlomiej Dragowski saved Theo Hernandez’s powerful shot from outside the box. Both of these opportunities presented themselves to Milan, who had clear chances to take the lead.
Following a review by the video assistant referee (VAR), the on-field official decided that Tommaso Pobega had blocked M’Bala Nzola’s shot with his chest rather than awarding Spezia the handball penalty they had hoped for.
Both Milan, who were trying to qualify for Europe, and Spezia, who were fighting against relegation, played with a higher level of intensity after the half because they were aware that a draw would be a disappointing result for both teams.
Brahim Diaz, took a shot from a difficult angle and hit the outside of the post. The goalkeeper for Milan, Mike Maignan, made a save from a low shot by Nzola of Spezia.
After Kelvin Amian’s header was deflected off the post by Wisniewski, Spezia took an unexpected lead in the 75th minute following a corner kick. Wisniewski put away the rebound to give Spezia the lead. Five minutes from the end of the match, Esposito scored the game-winning goal for Spezia with a spectacular free kick that sailed into the upper left corner.
Since 2017, this was the first time Milan had suffered a defeat at the hands of a team that finished in the bottom three of the standings. Although they are still in danger of being relegated, Spezia have moved up to 30 points and are now tied for 17th place with Verona, who still have a game in hand.
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