AC Milan overcame hardship to defeat Udinese 1-0 at the San Siro despite playing with ten men for more than an hour on Saturday.
The game-winning goal came from Samuel Chukwueze in the 13th minute, bringing the Rossoneri within two points of Serie A leaders Napoli. They are tied for third position with local rivals Inter Milan with 14 points after their arduous triumph.
The seven-time European winners moved two points behind Serie A leaders Napoli after defeating Udinese 1-0 on Saturday despite having to play with ten men for more than an hour. After overcoming two offside scares, including one deep in stoppage time, to secure a hard-fought victory at the San Siro, Paulo Fonseca’s team is now tied for second place with Inter Milan at 14 points.
Although Samuel Chukwueze’s goal in the 13th minute appeared to be the first in a straightforward victory, Milan managed to hold on for the points, and it ultimately proved to be the winning goal.
In the 29th minute, Tijjani Reijnders was sent off for a poor foul on Sandi Lovric, who would have gone clear through on goal had the Netherlands midfielder not clipped his heels, making their task more difficult.
Moments after replacing Alvaro Morata, Tammy Abraham somehow managed to both fluff a fantastic chance on the rebound and injure his shoulder, which should have sealed the points for Milan with 15 minutes left.
In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Christian Kabasele appeared to have given the home team a sucker-punch as he bundled home for Udinese. However, following a lengthy VAR review, the goal was disallowed for Jurgen Ekkelenkamp’s offside toes.
After Milan’s ardent “ultras” supporters chose to remain silent for the majority of the game in protest of what they perceive to be an anti-Madrid media and law enforcement campaign, Milan won in front of a flat San Siro.
Leading ultras from Milan and local rivals Inter, who played Roma on Sunday night, were detained last month and are charged with a number of offenses, including assault, extortion, and criminal conspiracy.
Investigators’ claims that Milan’s ultras groups were involved in ticket touting, parking control, and concession stand sales close to the San Siro were denied earlier this week.
As a result of the police’s decision to forbid the ultras’ enormous “Curva Sud Milano” from being displayed in that area, fans from all across the stadium—not just ultras—left their own banners and flags at home.
Rather, supporters of their detained allies held a banner that said, in a crude translation, “Stay strong boys” near the Curva Sud.
Later, despite Thiago Motta’s team suffering from a slew of injuries, Juventus may tie Napoli with a victory versus Lazio, who are currently playing well.