Rafael Leao Inspires AC Milan To A Win Over Fiorentina As Stefano Pioli Is Confirmed For Next Season
Written By Onyeka Daniel
It was another routine win for AC Milan, and they had their Portuguese winger, Rafael Leao to thank, for the win at the Artemis Franchi stadium against Fiorentina as he popped up with an assist and a goal after a solo run to end the match at 2-1.
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While the scoreline doesn’t tell the whole story as Terracciano helped to keep the score at a respectable level with some fantastic save, but the win helped Milan to close the gap to Inter Milan at the top of the table to 11 points with 8 games to go while the Nerazzurri will face Empoli on Monday for their own fixture.
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The Rossoneri have won their last four games and they made it five with a victory away to the Viola who were still reeling from the death of their director, Joe Barone before the international break, that saw their game against Atalanta postponed.
They were the better side in the first half even if it ended goalless, but there was no stopping them immediately after the restart of the second half. In the 47th minute, Ruben Loftus-Cheek received the ball from Rafeal Leao inside the box, reacted quickly and without any problems sent the ball low in the middle of the goal to open the scoring.
But 3 minutes later, Fiorentina were back on level terms. Alfred Duncan the goalscorer as his shot went straight into the bottom left corner. And just as quickly, Milan took the lead again in the 53rd minute as Leao made a great solo run and scored from inside the box, beating Pietro Terracciano with a strike into the bottom right corner.
The Rossoneri also had a goal ruled out for offside in the 76th minute as Fiorentina had their goalkeeper to thank, for keeping the score at a respectable level.
Meanwhile…
Milan President Paolo Scaroni reassured that Stefano Pioli will remain on the bench next season. ‘We are very fond of him.’ The tactician was under pressure after crashing out of the Champions League in the group phase and exiting the Coppa Italia to Atalanta.
However, recent results have seen him climb up the standings even if they stand a small chance of catching Inter at the top of the table, but the club wants to continue with their manager. “I always said that Pioli will stay,” assured Scaroni on Sky Sport Italia.
“I like coaches who win, and seeing as we are doing well, I like Pioli. He is a fantastic person and we are very fond of him. I hope he is also fond of us.” There have been many reports about coaches who are being approached to replace Pioli next season, including Antonio Conte, Roberto De Zerbi of Brighton, Vincenzo Italiano of Fiorentina and Bologna boss Thiago Motta.
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Milan are in the Europa League quarter-finals, where they will go into an all-Italian showdown with fellow Serie A side Roma. Meanwhile, Scaroni was also asked about the investigation from the Italian financial police into the takeover of the club, with allegations Elliott Management still effectively run the side rather than RedBird.
“We have not heard any news for two weeks, these things take time, but everyone feels calm and that’s what matters. I feared this investigation could negatively impact the squad, but it was not the case.” He further added.
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