Roller coaster for AC Milan away to Frosinone
AC Milan arrived in Frosinone with the desire not to waste any further points in the championship race after the last match against Bologna, when an error in the final minutes compromised a victory that seemed to have been achieved.
The Rossoneri fielded the same line-up as in the last few games while the home team focused on the resourcefulness of its young and talented attacking players, Matias Soulé among them all.
The teams both started with great aggression, therefore not betraying their playing style. This open attitude initially favored the home team who came close to taking the lead with their Argentine talent. Subsequently, however, AC Milan had the upper hand, thanks above all to the efforts of the Portuguese talent Rafael Leao who provided the assist for the close-range conclusion with a beautiful header from teammate Olivier Giroud which gave his team the lead.
It didn't take long for Frosinone to dash boldly into the opponent's area. Here is the key action that brought the game back into balance: Francesco Gelli attempted a cross that was naively deflected by Rafael Leao with his own hands in an attempt to make himself useful in the defensive phase.
The match referee immediately whistled a penalty for Frosinone.
Argentine ace Matias Soulé appeared on the spot and scored with a powerful and precise left-footed shot despite goalkeeper Mike Maignan having guessed the direction.
Subsequently the match continued at a very high pace for both teams, but without finding the goal.
A few minutes after the restart, a serious warning was issued. AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders earned a booking (and will consequently miss the big match against SSC Napoli at San Siro.
However, the Rossoneri team appeared less concentrated and reactive than in the first half while Frosinone was decidedly more lucid in their game choices.
AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli tried to introduce new forces by replacing midfielders Reijndere and Loftus-Cheek, who were underperforming, bringing in Noah Okafor, who was decisive in the last away match in Udine, and Ismael Bennacer, returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite the changes, Frosinone suddenly took the lead in the 65th minute, thanks to an introduction by midfielder and captain Luca Mazzitelli who was rewarded with a deep assist made by Matias Soulè. Mazzittelli quickly and smoothly finished, piercing the visiting goalkeeper.
After the goal, Frosinone lowered its pace and tried to keep the lines between defense and midfield tight. However, the tactic didn't work because in the 72nd minute Bennacer took center stage, managing the ball magnificently and sending in a cross to Olivier Giroud who offers a cushion inside the small area penalty. The Frenchman redirected the ball to Rossoneri defender Matteo Gabbia who scored his first goal in the league.
Then Rafael Leao stepped up, author of numerous dribbles on the left side of the pitch which sow panic in the opposing defence. However, none of these initiatives led to the desired goal.
In the 80th minute, Serbian striker Luka Jovic came on and proved to be man of the match.
In fact, a few seconds passed before AC Milan regained the lead thanks to Jovic who took advantage of a loose ball in the area, put in the middle once again by the lively Bennacer, and on which the defenders of the home team committed an obvious mess.
The Frosinone coach, Eusubio Di Francesco, then tries to field all his offensive players to bring the match back to at least a draw.
For its part, AC Milan managed to play keepaway with mental and physical clarity, allowing the last minutes of the game to pass without running any more risks.