Ibrahimovic’s penalty is not enough for the Italian champions
Udinese beat Milan 3-1 in the match valid for the 27th day of Serie A 2022-2023. The success allows the Friulians to climb to 38 points. The Rossoneri, in their seventh defeat in the tournament, remain at 48 and risk falling out of the Champions League area of the standings.
Milan finished knockout in a match that started uphill. Udinese already breaks through in the 9th minute with Pereyra: low angle, Maignan doesn’t get there and it’s 1-0. The Rossoneri up front rely on Ibrahimovic, 41, to whom Pioli assigns a starting shirt. The Swede in the 14th minute looks for the goal from a free kick, a high ball. The Italian champions try to manage the game but struggle to create clear chances against the compact and attentive home team. We have to wait for the 40th minute to see Leao in action, who calls Silvestri to save.
The race ignites in the final fraction. The Var is decisive in the 45th minute to recognize Bijol’s hand ball: a penalty for Milan that Ibrahimovic converts on the second attempt. The Swede had his first shot saved by Silvestri, but the penalty had to be repeated due to Beto’s presence in the area. Bis and Ibra score: 1-1 for the oldest scorer in Serie A history. The balance doesn’t even last until the break. In the 6th minute of stoppage time Beto burns Thiaw on Success’s low cross: 2-1 in the 51st minute and Udinese ahead at the interval.
The bianconeri, despite the expulsion of coach Sottil, remained orderly even in the second half. Milan is sterile and does not sting. The Rossoneri attack is inactive and the defense concedes. In the 70th minute Udinese drops the set and closes the accounts. Udogie’s cross shot, Ehizibue just has to place the ball in the net: 3-1, game over.
Source-www.adnkronos.com