TIME MACHINE: DEULOFEU IN AC MILAN v FIORENTINA

There are stories that are short but very intense, especially in a footballer's career, which become memorable thanks to participating greatly during the experience. Gerard Deulofeu's time with AC Milan lasted just one semester - from January to June 2017 - but it still remains a happy and positive memory.

The Catalan playmaker's contribution to Montella's side was very important in getting AC Milan back into Europe after three seasons away, with four goals in 18 appearances and a series of performances that entered into the hearts of the Rossoneri fans, starting from his first goal scored, in front of the San Siro crowd, the one that came in the success against Fiorentina on a cold February evening.

Matchday 25 at San Siro was a key game in the race for Europe against a direct rival. AC Milan sat seventh with 41 points and Fiorentina eighth with 40 in a hotly-contested battle for places, which also involved Atalanta, Inter and Lazio. It was a tricky challenge for Montella's Rossoneri, who came into the game on the back of two draws and three defeats in their five previous outings.

After two good saves by Donnarumma, from Vecino and Borja Valero's long-range efforts, the Rossoneri took the lead in the 15th minute through Kucka's turn and finish, firing home Sosa's cross in from a free-kick. The Viola responded immediately, however: Chiesa's cross was tapped in by Kalinić after 19 minutes to make it 1-1. There wasn't long to wait, however, for the Rossoneri to get back ahead: on the half-hour mark, Gerard produced an absolute gem.

Having received the ball from Pašalić 30 meters from goal, the Rossoneri number 7 started centrally to hit an angled and precise right-footed shot upon entering the area, beating Tătăruşanu for the second time in the evening: 2-1 for AC Milan and a goal celebrated with great enthusiasm by the entire stadium. In the next 60 minutes of play, there would be no further goals, but the match still had plenty of excitement.

At the final whistle, it ended 2-1 for the Rossoneri and a huge win with double importance, not only for the table. Deulofeu's decisive goal kicked off a run of four straight home wins, which proved crucial in finishing sixth and a return to European football the following year.

The AC Milan PUMA Kits for 2023/24 are available: buy them now!