Gallery: ‘Milan rage’, ‘Serra effect’ – Today’s front pages of Italian papers

By Oliver Fisher -

The Italian papers focused heavily on the controversy at San Siro last night as AC Milan were denied a late winner against Spezia and ended up losing 2-1 in the dying seconds.

The game was 1-1 heading into injury time and Junior Messias thought he had won the game with a screamer into the top corner only to discover referee Marco Serra had blown his whistle simultaneously for a foul on Ante Rebic, thus negating an obvious advantage. It would cost Milan as Emmanuel Gyasi – who was lucky to still be on the pitch – scored a winner at the other end.

Gazzetta dello Sport: “Crazy whistles. Serra did not play advantage, Messias scored in the 92nd, but the play had stopped and Spezia scored the winner in the 96th. AIA chiefs apologise, the ref should get a long ban. Serra stunned by the error, a few Rossoneri players – including Ibra – tried to console him: ‘It happens’.”

Corriere dello Sport: “Milan, Serra effect. Incredible mistake from the referee: Milan’s 2-1 chalked off. The ref did not play advantage. Pioli: ‘I could not calm my players, Serra apologised’.”

Tuttosport: “Serra effect, Milan rage. Spezia win with a blitz in the 96th, but three minutes earlier, the ref did not play advantage when Messias scored. Pioli: ‘Serra apologised’, Inter with a two-point lead.”

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READ MORE: Pioli admits referee apologised for ‘mistake’ as he reflects on ‘bad evening’ for Milan

Tags AC Milan Milan Spezia
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