November 01, (THEWILL) – AC Milan reclaimed joint first place in Serie A with a 2-1 victory against Roma at the Stadio Olimipico in a game in which VAR played a key role.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Franck Kessie goals assured the visitors would take the three points home, while Roma seldom challenged the Rossonieri’s back line to truly challenge for a point, at the very least.
Theo Hernandez was sent off in a ding-dong duel that included multiple yellow cards and plenty of violence, with the Frenchman’s continuous clash with the returning Nicolo Zaniolo serving as a great example.
Milan threatened early, with Ibrahimovic and Kessie both going close, and Ibrahimovic would eventually hit the target on 25 minutes, arrowing a free kick into the bottom corner with laser-like accuracy and giving Rui Patricio no chance.
After the restart, Franck Kessie doubled the lead from the penalty spot; Ibrahimovic, a regular thorn in the home defense’s side, was felled by Ibanez, and VAR confirmed the initial spot-kick award was legitimate.
Stefano Pioli’s team might have scored four goals, but two were disallowed for offside, and one was scored either side of halftime.
An injury-time penalty box brawl allowed Roma to score a consolation goal through Stephan El Sharaawy, but the 10 men held on to earn the three points for their 10th match in a row at the Stadio Olimpico after a very entertaining contest.
Jose Mourinho’s unbeaten run in the league at home came to an end with the loss, but Milan press on with their title challenge.
On Thursday, Roma hosts Bodo/Glimt in the Europa Conference League, ahead of a trip to Venezia the following Sunday. Milan will host Porto at the San Siro on Wednesday before hosting Inter in the Milan derby on Sunday.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
