AC Milan clinched three very important games against Udinese on Sarurday evening, coming back from behind to win 3-2. Noah Okafor was the big hero with the 93rd-minute winner, helping Stefano Pioli reach an important milestone.
Although it was a dramatic ending, and a positive one for the Rossoneri fans, the game was largely ruined by the disgraceful scenes in the stands. The Udinese fans racially abused Mike Maignan with chants and the game was even halted at one point.
The Frenchman played on, despite clearly being upset and affected by the abuse, and Milan managed to turn the game around after going 2-1 behind. Below are all the key stats from the game, with Pioli at the helm this time out.
An overall look
It was a rather scrappy match at Stadio Friuli, with many technical errors and breaks in the playing, resulting in little active playing time. Nevertheless, Milan were clearly on top of the affair judging by all of the important metrics.
Udinese did really well to score twice despite an XG of 0.5, in fairness, but Milan created the better chances with an XG of 2.61. The home side were happy to sit back for most of the game, it should be noted, resulting in the huge difference in possession.
Pioli reaches 100 wins for AC Milan
The gaffer reached a very important (and impressive) milestone yesterday, registering his 100th win in Serie A with Milan. He’s one of only five managers to achieve this with the Rossoneri, with the others being Carlo Ancelotti, Nereo Rocco, Nils Liedholm and Fabio Capello.
Furthermore, only Ancelotti did it in fewer games than Pioli: 165 vs. 166. In short, it’s a huge achievement for the former Fiorentina manager and he will certainly be happy with this, having also won a Scudetto with the Rossoneri.
It remains to be seen if he will stay at Milan beyond this season, with the management evaluating their options. Everything will depend on the rest of the campaign, but a lot suggests that his tenure with the club will come to an end.
Negative Udinese spell broken
Thanks to the win, Milan managed to end a four-game unbeaten run for Udinese at home against the Rossoneri. Prior to yesterday, in fact, Milan’s last win at Stadio Friuli was in November 2020. Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a great bicycle kick in that clash, which his side won 2-1.
At 2-1, Udinese were also on track to securing their third consecutive win against Pioli’s side, which would have been dire for Milan. Even though Udinese have struggled this season, these things matter and the Rossoneri did well to bounce back.
Adli puts in a shift
As highlighted by the stats below, the Frenchman did indeed put in a good shift for Milan in that No.6 position. He has certainly improved his defensive skills, as shown by the interceptions and tackles made, and this is something that the Rossoneri really need in that role.
Adli remained lively throughout the game and cerrainly helped Milan in their push for the comeback, never afraid to attempt a difficult pass. And it wa epsecially important yesterday, as his midfield colleague Tijjani Reijnders didn’t have a good day at the office at all.
The details
Udinese (3-5-1-1): Okoye; Ferreira, Pérez, Kristensen; Ebosele (60′ Ehizibue), Lovric, Walace, Samardžić (60′ Payero), Kamara (84′ Zarraga); Pereyra (46′ Thauvin); Lucca (76′ Success). Subs: Padelli, Silvestri; Giannetti, Kabasele, Masina, Tikvić, Zemura; Camara; Brenner. Coach: Cioffi.
AC Milan (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Calabria (75′ Florenzi), Kjær, Gabbia, Hernández; Adli, Reijnders (68′ Okafor); Pulisic (75′ Jović), Loftus-Cheek, Leão (94′ Musah); Giroud. Subs: Mirante, Sportiello; Jiménez, Simić, Terracciano; Romero, Zeroli; Traoré. Coach: Pioli.
Referee: Gabio Maresca from Napoli.
Goals: 31′ Loftus-Cheek (M), 42′ Samardžić (U), 62′ Thauvin (U), 83′ Jović (M), 90’+3 Okafor (M).
Booked: 45’+1 Kamara (U), 52′ Ebosele (U), 56′ Thauvin (U), 65′ Walace (U), 71′ Lucca (U), 78′ Ferreira (U), 88′ Hernández (M).
