AC MILAN GRAB FIRST AWAY WIN OF THE SEASON

AC Milan's first away win of the season was certainly one to remember given both how tough it was and the importance of the three points. The Rossoneri beat Sampdoria 2-1 at Marassi despite playing almost the entire second half with ten men after Leão was sent off for a second bookable offence. Messias scored an early opener and Giroud got the winner in the second half - Đuričić with the initial equaliser for Samp. These three points take us back into first place for the time being.

After a strong start, having scored just six minutes in, the Rossoneri could have collapsed after going down to ten men. Pioli's team, however, reacted brilliantly, with character and the group's leaders really came to the fore, especially Giroud, who put in a battling display up top, and Maignan, who made a could of decisive stops to keep AC Milan in the lead. This is the perfection continuation in form following the derby as we head into our next two home games, our final fixtures in September. On Wednesday at 18:45 CEST, the Rossoneri take on Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League before a huge clash with Napoli on Sunday evening.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM SAMPDORIA v AC MILAN

MATCH REPORT
There were three changes from the side that started against FC Salzburg with Kjær, Pobega and Messias all returning. The Rossoneri were out of the traps quickly with Leao’s attempt blocked by Sampdoria’s defence after two minutes. Moments later, Giroud shot tamely. The home side responded through Rincón but it AC Milan who struck first on 6 minutes with Messias reacting quickest after Leão’s delightful assist. On 12 minutes, Đuričić skimmed the top of the bar but Pioli's side were in control of the game, risking little. On 22 minutes, De Ketelaere had a goal disallowed after Giroud was caught in an offside position, and it was the French striker again who nearly doubled the Rossoneri’s lead, towards the end of the half, with a left-foot strike that tested Audero. His final chance of the half came on 42 minutes, but he missed the target after getting in front of Ferrari.

The start of the second half saw a turning point in the game with the sending off of Leão for a second bookable offence, after kicking Ferrari in the face attempting an overhead kick. AC Milan replied with a chance through Pobega but Sampdoria’s numerical advantage paid dividends and on 57 minutes drew level through Đuričić’s header. Tomori came on as a substitute, allowing the Rosssoneri to go to a back three, and after an attempt by Theo after 62 minutes – a right-footed strike blocked by Audero – took the lead after 66 minutes to make it 2-1; Villar was adjudged to have handled the ball and up stepped Giroud to expertly slot home the penalty. Sampdoria’s reaction was quick with Gabbiadini’s left-foot shot being blocked by Maignan on 72 minutes. There was time for Vranckx to come on and make his debut for the Rossoneri, but on 86 minutes, Sampdoria had a golden chance to equalise with three opportunities in quick succession: Maignan saved twice from Gabbiadini, in-between Verre hitting the post. The final push from the home side didn’t harbour up any more clear-cut chances and the final whistle blew with AC Milan winning 2-1.

MATCH DETAILS

SAMPDORIA 1-2 AC MILAN

SAMPDORIA (4-1-4-1): Audero; Bereszyński (59' Gabbiadini), Ferrari, Murillo, Augello; Villar (86' Vieira); Léris, Rincón, Sabiri, Đuričić (78' Verre); Caputo (78' Quagliarella). Subs.: Ravaglia; Amione, Conti, Murru; Yepes; Pussetto. Coach: Giampaolo.

AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Calabria, Kjær, Kalulu, Hernández; Tonali, Pobega (78' Vranckx); Messias (59' Tomori), De Ketelaere (71' Bennacer), Leão; Giroud. Subs.: Mirante, Tătărușanu; Ballo-Touré, Dest, Gabbia, Thiaw; Adli, Bakayoko, Díaz, Saelemaekers. Coach: Pioli.

Referee: Fabbri from Ravenna.
Goals: 6' Messias (M), 57' Đuričić (S), 22'st pen. Giroud (M).
Booked: 17' Leão (M), 54' Ferrari (S), 66' Villar (S), 93' Quagliarella (S), 95' Augello (S), 96' Léris (S).
Sent-off: 47' Leão (M) for second booking, 97' Giampaolo (S).

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