Gustav Isaksen (R) scored Lazio’s successful purpose towards AC Milan. Picture: AFP
MILAN:
AC Milan missed the prospect to pile stress on native rivals Inter within the Serie A title combat after falling to a 1-0 defeat at Lazio on Sunday, as Como beat 10-man Roma 2-1 to extend their hopes of a shock Champions League qualification.
Confronted with the prospect of chopping Inter’s league result in 5 factors, Milan fluffed their strains and fell to a second defeat in 4 matches.
Gustav Isaksen’s calm end halfway by the second half allowed Inter to extend the hole separating them from Milan to eight factors although they solely managed to attract 1-1 with Atalanta on Saturday.
It was an enormous let-off for Inter, who misplaced the Milan derby final weekend however with 9 matches left within the season stay huge favourites to reclaim the league title from Napoli.
“Everybody was speaking concerning the Scudetto after Inter drew however you need to be practical,” stated Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri.
“We’re doing good issues this season and we have now to focus on our goal which is (qualifying for) the Champions League in any other case we threat ruining what we have constructed.”
Milan are nonetheless on track for that purpose as they’re seven factors forward of fifth-placed Juventus.
However they have been sluggish out of the traps at a loud Stadio Olimpico the place Lazio’s hardcore supporters returned after weeks of staying away in protest towards the Rome membership’s path underneath long-time proprietor Claudio Lotito.
Netherlands attacker Kenneth Taylor smashed a shot off the crossbar as Lazio dominated the opening half, earlier than Milan took management after the break with out correctly testing rookie goalkeeper Edoardo Motta.
Maurizio Sarri was despatched off in a tense finale because the Lazio coach exploded at officers for the size of stoppage time, along with his crew desperately making an attempt to carry on for the factors.
Como’s UCL cost
Trailing on the break to Donyell Malen’s early penalty, Como confirmed why they’ve shaken issues up in Italy’s high flight by coming again to beat a key rival for the ultimate spot in Europe’s elite membership competitors.
Cesc Fabregas’s tiny however rich crew are fourth, a degree above Juve due to Tasos Douvikas’ low drive within the 59th minute and Diego Carlos — who gave away Roma’s penalty — poking dwelling the winner in entrance of delighted dwelling followers 20 minutes later.
“I am happy with the will and mentality proven by the crew,” stated Fabregas.
“We’re a younger crew and we nonetheless have loads to be taught… we will not let ourselves get big-headed due to this win.”
Between Como’s two objectives Roma defender Wesley was despatched off for 2 bookable offences because the away facet didn’t cope with a lakeside onslaught within the second half.
Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini was furious with referee Davide Massa’s choice to indicate Wesley a second yellow card because the Brazilian barely touched Assane Diao who nonetheless fell to the turf as he charged in direction of purpose.
“It was nothing, you’ll be able to see from photographs that he does nothing,” Gasperini instructed Sky.
“It isn’t the primary time Como discover themselves in that state of affairs, they’re in search of them, trying slightly bit too laborious for them for my part.
“However that is what soccer has develop into.”
Como have by no means performed European soccer of their turbulent historical past, which till they have been taken over by tobacco giants Djarum in 2019 featured extra bankruptcies than on-field success.
Roma, in sixth, have not certified for the Champions League since 2018 and path Como by three factors with 9 matches left remaining within the season.
