Udinese-Milan 3-1: goals from Pereyra, Ibrahimovic, Beto, Ehizibue

From our correspondent Alessandra Gozzini

March 18th
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Milan in the championship and in Europe continue to travel at different speeds: they proceed quickly in the Champions League, they go slowly in Serie A. Udine was only the last stop: the internal draw with Salernitana and the defeat in Florence follow. This is not the rhythm that will bring the Italian champions back to the top four of the tournament: a decisive change of gear is needed. Right away. The first half of the Dacia Arena was disheartening: Milan must get back on track if they want to reach any destination, in Italy and abroad. Head and legs in this case go hand in hand: the head, i.e. the approach to the game, is distracted. The legs don’t turn, the AC Milan quality doesn’t emerge. The absence of three starters is an excuse not worth clinging to even if the simultaneous absences of Theo and Giroud (as well as Messias) deprive Milan of two of its strengths. The third would be Leao, even yesterday too far from the best version of him. In Udinese everything works right away and Sottil amazes with Samardzic and Success for Lovric and Arslan.

ibra is not enough

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In the first 45 minutes, Milan found a way to spoil the party for Ibra, scorer of the oldest goal in the championship. The almost entirely black and white start was training for the advantage that comes after 9′ with Pereyra. The action begins with a recovery by Samardzic and a weak disengagement by Tomori: the Argentine’s right foot (weak but angled) beats Maignan. Possession remains predominantly with the hosts and it is no coincidence that Milan redeem themselves only on set pieces: Ibra’s free-kick fired just over the crossbar. Beto and Leao alternated with shots towards goal, both with no luck. Rafa does little: he will try even later, forcing Silvestri into a corner but it’s a flash in the fog. From 44′ to 51′ six very long minutes open, a match within a match. Mila protests for a touch of the hand by Bijol in the area, which Doveri sees again at the Var. Penalty Milan: Ibra on the penalty spot. Zlatan opens the pot to the right but finds opposition from Silvestri. The game resumes but then returns to the point before. The referee is warned of Becao entering the area before Ibrahimovic’s serve, the penalty has to be repeated. Sottil protests and is expelled, Zlatan is already with the ball under his arm ready for a new serve. This time the very powerful right foot in the corner beats the Udinese goalkeeper: Ibra, 41 years, 5 months and 15 days old, can rejoice for the oldest goal in the championship. However, the party lasts just two minutes, the time to resume the match (this time for real) and bring Beto to a double. Cross from Success and Udinese’s number 9 anticipates Thiaw: Milan back down.

Udinese trio

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The liabilities will increase in the second half. Those who expected to find a rabid Milan after the break were disappointed. Pioli’s team doesn’t bite, Silvestri remains in fact inactive. Even after the change that should give even more consistency to the Rossoneri attack: Rebic in for Saelemaekers, alongside Ibra who remains on the pitch until the half hour of the second half. Udinese again found the goal with Ehizibue on Udogie’s cross-shot: the Rossoneri’s defense was completely haywire. Ibra comes out for Origi, usually inconclusive. But for once less guilty than the others: Milan fell again and thus offered themselves to counter-overtake by Roma. And at the click of the other candidates for the Champions League. Away sickness, tiredness of the owners, alternatives not up to par, defense again punctured: Pioli will not lack for work.