COMEBACK KINGS!

There was to be no dream return to the San Siro for Scudetto winning coach Stefano Pioli on Sunday night, as a Rafael Leao inspired Milan fought back to claim all 3 points in a 2-1 success at the San Siro.

Line-ups & Tactical Setup

AC Milan (3-5-2):
Goalkeeper: Maignan
Defence: Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlović
Midfield: Athekame (Gimenez 57'), Fofana, Modrić, Ricci, Bartesaghi
Forwards: Saelemaekers (De Winter 90'), Leão (Balentien 90+')
Coach: Allegri

Fiorentina (3-5-2):
Goalkeeper: De Gea
Defence: Pongračić, Marí, Ranieri
Midfield: Dodô, Mandragora (Dzeko 88'), Nicolussi Caviglia (Sohm 87'), Fagioli, Gosens (Parisi 69')
Forwards: Fazzini (Gudmundsson 70'), Kean (Piccoli 77')
Coach: Pioli

Milan’s selection emphasised their constrained options: missing key players yet still pushing a high-intensity system. Fiorentina, for their part, looked to counter with width and a solid midfield block.

First Half

The opening 45 minutes were cagey.

Milan had the best early chance, when Tomori got on the end of a free-kick but blasted over. Pavlović also spurned a gilt-edged opportunity around the 21st minute that should have tested Fiorentina more.

Fiorentina were compact and disciplined, inviting Milan to probe while keeping their shape. Despite Milan’s dominance in possession or territory, clear chances were scarce.

The half ended 0-0.

Second Half

The game changed ten minutes after the break. At 55′, Milan conceded a goal after a sluggish start to the half...

Gosens bundled home from close range after a corner – a set-piece breakdown for the hosts.

The goal jolted Milan into life. They increased tempo, pushed higher, and started creating genuine opportunities.

At 63′, Milan drew level. Out of nowhere, Leão picked up the ball 30 yards from goal, created space, and unleashed a superb strike that found the bottom corner.

From then until late, momentum shifted firmly in Milan’s favour. Fiorentina regressed a little, their impetus stalled and they began to panic as the looked to hold out for a point. Milan looked sharper, more daring.

Then, in the 86th minute, Milan were awarded a penalty when a VAR check ruled that Gimenez had been pulled back in the 18 yard box. Leão coolly dispatched it, sending the keeper the wrong way, to make it 2-1.

In the closing minutes, Milan managed the game well; Fiorentina offered little in terms of clear-cut chances. The final whistle confirmed Milan’s comeback and three points to take them to the summit of Serie A once again.

Key Moments & Players

• Robin Gosens (Fiorentina) opened the scoring with a close-range finish from a corner, capitalising on Milan’s lapse from a set-play.
• Rafael Leão (Milan) was the match-winner: superb strike to equalise plus the composed penalty to clinch it. His first home league goals in some 17 months!
• Milan’s depth/rotation: Despite several key absentees (notably Pulisic and Rabiot), the fact they won speaks to squad resilience and coaching.
• Fiorentina’s miss: Despite the lead, they lacked the follow-through to repel Milan’s surge and failed to carve out a second goal that might have killed Milan off.

Tactical & Strategic Notes

• I thought Milan’s three-at-the-back once again allowed the wing-backs (Bartesaghi/Athekame) to push on and link with Leão and Saelemaekers. Bartesaghi in particular is looking a real player now. He can provide great competition for Estupinan.
• Fiorentina’s 3-5-2 offered solidity but perhaps lacked the dynamism in transition once Milan increased intensity. They struggled to carve out many clear-cut chances and couldn't find that second killer goal once they did take the lead.
• Set-pieces were pivotal: The opener from Milan’s perspective was a break-down in defence; the penalty decision (via VAR) swung the tie.
• Milan’s ability to switch gears after conceding showed character; an important trait for title-chasing teams. It was almost like they needed to go a goal down tonight to spark them into life.

Implications

• Milan now sit top of Serie A following this result.
• Fiorentina’s winless start continues and pressure on Pioli continues to mount.
• For Milan, the win is a statement, especially given the injury list and external expectations. Can they keep it up? Next up as a home game against bottom side Pisa on Friday night - by the time everyone else plays in round 8, the Rossoneri could well be 4 points clear which would provide a huge psychological advantage.

Final Thoughts

A compelling comeback from Milan. They weathered the early second half setback, showed composure under pressure and had their key man in Leão to rescue them. In Pulisic's absence it was important for him to step up tonight and with his two well taken goals, we couldn't really ask for any more. Fiorentina will feel aggrieved by the penalty - it was soft but we'll take it!

Onto Friday night...