TIME MACHINE: BIERHOFF IN AC MILAN v SALERNITANA

AC Milan v Salernitana; are about to write a new chapter. This year's match will close the 2023/24 Serie A season, while in the 1998/99 season, the second half of the season had just begun when the two teams met, resulting in a spectacular and eventful encounter. The match, which took place on Sunday 31 January 1999 at San Siro, saw the star of Oliver Bierhoff shine brightest. As we await the final match of the season, let's relive the previous encounter of a special season for our colors.

The German forward had already been decisive in the away game, when his goal opened the scoring in a 2-1 win at the Arechi before Leonardo's second goal. Breda reduced the deficit. AC Milan v Salernitana is the second matchday of the second half of the season, with the Rossoneri - fourth at the halfway point - chasing Fiorentina, Lazio and Parma. Zaccheroni's 3-4-3 formation, with Weah and Morfeo wide of lone striker Bierhoff. Oliver is inspired and takes only three minutes to make his mark: a cross from Guglielminpietro and a precise header that leaves Balli with no chance, the early 1-0 lead seems to set the game up nicely. However, Salernitana aren't phased. In the 7' minute, Abbiati saves Di Vaio's attempt but can't do anything on Giampaolo's close-range effort, and in the 14' minute, the visitors take the lead thanks to Del Grosso's left-footed shot from distance that surprises the Rossoneri goalkeeper and ends up in the top corner.

AC Milan weren't backing down. Bierhoff proves to be impactful even in an assist-man role, and in the 25th minute, he collects from Boban before serving Weah the ball for the equalizer. 2-2, and the German is on fire. Before half-time, he worries Balli two more times, while Weah misses the chance to put the Rossoneri ahead right after the break. Then it's him again who makes San Siro erupt. In the 60' minute, Morfeo sends in a precise cross that Bierhoff converts with his head: 3-2. In the end, it takes a super performance from Abbiati, helped by the woodwork, to seal the three points; the Rossoneri weather the storm, but they bring home a hugely significant 3 points. At the end of the season, it will indeed be a head-to-head battle with Lazio, who are ahead by seven points with a few matches left, to decide the fate of the Scudetto. Oliver will end the season as the Serie A top scorer with 19 goals, while the Diavolo will lift the title for the 16th time.

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