AC Milan delivered a crucial response in the Serie A title race on Thursday. The Rossoneri fought back from an early deficit to secure a 3-1 victory away at in-form Como. This win allowed them to trim the gap to city rivals Inter Milan at the summit of the Italian league.
Milan Responds to Inter's Challenge
Inter Milan had temporarily stretched their advantage at the top to six points on Wednesday. They achieved this with a narrow 1-0 win over Lecce. Napoli's frustrating draw against Parma that same day further solidified Inter's position. However, Milan refused to let the gap widen significantly. Their hard-fought triumph in Como brought the deficit back down to a manageable three points.
A Rocky Start for the Visitors
The match did not begin smoothly for Massimiliano Allegri's Milan side. Como, sitting comfortably in sixth place in Serie A, made a perfect start. They took an early lead in the 10th minute. A cleverly worked short corner was floated into the box. Defender Marc-Oliver Kempf rose highest to power a header past the Milan goalkeeper, sending the home fans into raptures.
Como dominated the opening exchanges, but Milan found a crucial equalizer right on the stroke of halftime. The referee pointed to the spot after Adrien Rabiot was brought down in the area by Kempf. Christopher Nkunku stepped up to take the penalty. His shot squirmed under the body of Como goalkeeper Jean Butez, leveling the score at 1-1 just before the break.
Rabiot Inspires the Comeback
Milan completely turned the match around ten minutes into the second half. The goal came from a brilliant team move. Rafael Leão expertly controlled a crossfield pass on the left wing. He then cut inside, evading a defender, before lofting a precise ball into the box. Adrien Rabiot showed excellent technique, chesting the ball down and volleying it powerfully across goal into the bottom right corner.
The French midfielder wasn't finished. He sealed the three points for Milan shortly before full time. A headed pass from teammate Niclas Füllkrug found Rabiot in space. He took one touch before drilling a hard, low shot into the near corner of the net, completing his brace and securing a 3-1 victory.
Bologna Ends Winless Streak in Thriller
In another Serie A fixture on Thursday, Bologna finally ended their miserable run of form. They came from behind to win a thrilling encounter 3-2 against relegation-threatened Hellas Verona. The match was filled with spectacular goals.
Bologna had not won a league match since November. Their poor start continued when they gifted Verona the opening goal. A mistake in their own penalty area allowed Antoine Bernède to launch a rapid counter-attack. He raced from box to box before unselfishly laying the ball off for Gift Orban to fire home.
Bologna responded brilliantly. Riccardo Orsolini curled in a beautiful equalizer following a smartly taken free kick. The visitors then took control before halftime. Impressive strikes from Jens Odgaard and Santiago Castro gave Bologna a commanding 3-1 lead at the interval.
Verona set up a nervy finish in the 71st minute. Bologna midfielder Remo Marco Freuler accidentally turned a cross into his own net, making it 3-2. However, Bologna held on to claim a vital victory and end their long wait for three points.
