Despite a promising start, AC Milan could not get past a draw at bottom-of-the-table US Salernitana. At least Joker Jovic made sure of the final score in stoppage time
Serie A does not take a break at the end of December, so the players are also challenged around Christmas. Milan coach Stefano Pioli made two changes from the recent 3-0 win over Monza for the clash with bottom-placed Salerno, who had just eight points before kick-off: Florenzi (bench) and Pobega (not in the squad) made way for Calabria and Bennacer.
Salernitana improve after falling behind – and equalize
The Rossoneri got off to a dominant start, coming close to scoring twice through Rafael Leao (2nd, 6th), but were lucky in the 7th minute when Dia failed to beat the attentive AC goalkeeper Maignan from close range. Nevertheless, the favourites continued to dominate and it was only logical that Tomori took the lead when he headed in from a few meters out (17′).
However, while the visitors continued to dominate the game for the time being, the picture changed as the first half progressed. From then on, it was the home side who not only increased the pressure and created promising opportunities (Kastanos, 41), but also scored the now more than deserved equalizer shortly before the break through Fazio’s header (42).
Jovic responds late to Candreva’s opening goal
After Milan had brought on Simic, who was born in Nürtingen, Baden-Württemberg, to replace the injured Kjaer at the break, the hosts also had to make an injury-related substitution after just a few seconds. Ikuwemesi came on for Dia, who had injured his thigh (48′). However, the substitution of the center forward did not cause Salernitana to cease their attacking efforts. While the underdogs could continue to rely on goalkeeper Costil, Candreva even gave the Granatroten the lead in the 63rd minute. However, Milan keeper Maignan cut an extremely unfortunate figure with the veteran’s right-footed shot from around 16 meters.
The two goalkeepers were also at the heart of the action afterwards, with Maignan making a strong save from the eye-catching Candreva just five minutes after conceding the goal. At the other end, Costil made a strong double save to prevent substitute Jovic’s joker goal in the 82nd minute, but the Frenchman was powerless in stoppage time: Giroud set up his Serbian strike partner’s goal with his head, who volleyed the ball into the net from the five-yard box (90.+1).
Pack formation in front of Milan’s substitutes’ bench
The Rossoneri, who obviously could not settle for a draw at the bottom of the table, had four minutes of added time to hit back late on. After Florenzi had found Costil just moments after making it 2:2, the action finally resumed in front of the visitors’ bench. In the course of a scuffle, the referee showed Salernitana substitute goalkeeper Fiorillo a red card and the final whistle sounded immediately afterwards
The Granatroti from Salerno, who remain in 20th place, continue their campaign on December 30 with an away game at Hellas Verona (6 p.m.). AC Milan will host Sassuolo Calcio at the Giuseppe Meazza at the same time
