AC Milan secured a hard-fought victory over Fiorentina at San Siro on Sunday night, propelling them to the top of the league.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, this win gives Milan a one-point lead over Inter, Napoli, and Roma, marking their first solo position at the top in two years, largely thanks to Rafael Leao’s contributions.
The victory is particularly significant given the challenging circumstances Milan faced. They were missing key players including Rabiot, Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek, Nkunku, Estupinan, and injured long-term absentee Jashari. Allegri managed a depleted bench effectively throughout the match.
Saint Luka
The comeback was heavily influenced by Luka Modric’s exceptional performance. At 40, the Ballon d’Or winner continues to command the field and greatly contributed to Milan’s resurgence.
Despite Milan’s struggles in the first half, where they lacked offensive push, Modric was instrumental in maintaining team composure. He shifted from an offensive No.10 role to a defensive No.4, showcasing his versatility and tenacity on the pitch. His energy was evident, even as he expertly maneuvered past a younger opponent.
Tactical Stalemate
Both teams employed a 3-5-1-1 formation from the start, hoping for an opening to exploit. However, the first half was largely uninspiring, characterized by no shots on target and a tactical deadlock. Milan’s attempts at scoring fell to defenders Tomori and Pavlovic, who failed to convert their opportunities.
Falling Behind, Coming Back
Fiorentina took the lead early in the second half, capitalizing on a miscommunication between Maignan and Gabbia, allowing Gosens to score. In response, Allegri quickly adjusted his lineup by introducing Gimenez and reassigning Saelemaekers.
This strategic move paid off when Leao netted an equalizer with a powerful long-range shot, taking advantage of Fiorentina’s brief moment of disarray as they played with ten men. The penalty that followed, converted by Leao, was his first for the club, signaling his growth in consistency—a promising sign for Milan’s championship aspirations now bolstered by Modric’s presence.