ROSSONERI HELD TO A DRAW

February has finished with a second consecutive stalemate. This evening, AC Milan and Udinese played out a 1-1 draw at San Siro, with Coach Pioli’s men missing the opportunity to momentarily extend their lead at the top of the table. It’s a result that leaves a bitter taste in the mouth, especially because of the controversial nature of Udogie’s equaliser, which was awarded even after a VAR review. Despite the impressive Rafael Leão scoring his eighth league goal of the season (and his sixth in all competitions in 2022), the Rossoneri weren’t able to emerge victorious.

After a first half where they constantly improved as the minutes ticked by, the Diavolo surrendered the initiative to the visitors at the start of the second half. AC Milan then responded well to Udogie’s goal, creating a number of chances, but were also thankful to Maignan for making a great stoppage-time save to prevent an undeserved defeat. Another draw, then, and although the Rossoneri are now unbeaten in six in all competitions, they won’t be happy tonight. This result needs to serve as motivation to improve in their upcoming fixtures, which will be among the most important remaining this season. Indeed, a first-leg semi-final Coppa Italia showdown against Inter awaits on Tuesday, after which AC Milan will face Napoli at the Maradona on Sunday evening. Come on, lads!

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM AC MILAN v UDINESE

MATCH REPORT

There were no surprises in the starting XI as Kessie came in for the suspended Bennacer. There were very few chances in the opening stages but both sides were playing at maximum intensity. Maignan had to be alert in the second minute to keep out Beto's header. It took the Rossoneri 26 minutes to carve out a chance of their own; Calabria let fly from distance but it whistled off target. AC Milan continued to grind through the gears and then took the lead just before the half-hour mark. Tonali crossed it in for Leão, who held off Becão's challenge and slotted it past Silvestri. In the 34th minute, the Rossoneri threatened again as Díaz played it through for Messias with an exquisite ball but the defenders got there ahead of the Brazilian. Just before the break, in the 42nd minute, Beto had another opportunity with his head but it was once again dealt with by Maignan.

The first few minutes of the second half echoed the opening stages of the second, with very few clear opportunities for either side. The guests had more chances: Arslan put his effort just wide (59'), Tomori then did brilliantly to get to the ball ahead of an awaiting Beto in the box (64'). In the 66th minute, however, the Bianconeri got their goal, levelling the game through Udogie, who pounced on the loose ball in the box. The goal didn't change the face of an extremely cagey match, but AC Milan did get on the front foot as the game wound to a close. In the 76th minute, Díaz fed Leão, who knocked the ball over the head of Silvestri, but Marí got to it and made the clearance. Six minute later, Romagnoli met the corner and forced Silvestri into a save. The guests almost bagged the winner in added time but Maignan got down smartly to push Deulofeu's effort around the post. It ended 1-1.

MATCH DETAILS

AC MILAN 1-1 UDINESE

AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Calabria, Tomori, Romagnoli, Hernández; Tonali, Kessie; Messias (65' Saelemaekers), Díaz (85' Maldini), Leão; Giroud (65' Rebić). Subs.: Mirante, Tătăruşanu; Ballo-Touré, Florenzi, Gabbia, Kalulu; Bakayoko, Castillejo, Krunić. Coach: Pioli.

UDINESE (3-5-2): Silvestri; Becão, Pablo Marí, Peréz; Molina, Walace, Makengo (55' Pereyra), Arslan (90' Jajalo), Zeegelaar (55' Udogie); Deulofeu, Beto (65' Success). Subs.: Gasparini, Padelli; Benković, Soppy; Ballarini, Samardžić; Nestorovski, Pussetto. Coach: Cioffi.

Referee: Marchetti from Ostia Lido.
Goals: 29' Leão (M), 66' Udogie (U).
Booked: 17' Peréz (U), 49' Becão (U), 68' Rebić (M), 73' Molina (U), 77' Success (U).

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