AC Milan was dismal against the 16th placed Spezia on Saturday night and ended up losing 2-0 to seriously dampen their title hopes.
AC Milan placed the title race directly into the hands of rivals Inter Milan after the league leaders were beaten 2-0 by the Italian top-flight Spezia.
Stefano Pioli’s side was dismal in their first visit to the Stadio Alberto Picco. In addition to that, they found themselves 2-0 down mid-way through the second half. This after goals from Giulio Maggiore and Simone Bastoni.
The result however marked Milan’s third defeat in their last seven league matches and Conte’s side can move top of the table having secured a victory over Lazio at the San Siro.
In the first half, Milan was poor. They failed to register a shot on target with the newly promoted Spezia enjoying the best chances at the opening period.
Spezia’s Colombian striker Kevin Agudelo had two clear chances on Gianluigo’s goal but failed to find the back of the net. And, the home side, who began the day in 16th place got the opener they really deserved.
Nahuel Estevez doubled the lead when he rolled a free-kick to Bastoni on the edge of the box and fired in a superb left-footed strike into the top corner to spark delirium among fellow team-mates.
Moreover, Milan barely had a sight of the goal after the break. It was only when a free-kick from Ibrahimovic and Calhanoglu both hit the wall that they dared have a sight of the goal.
The January signing Mario Mandzukic headed wide from a free-kick in stoppage time but Pioli’s side was well-beaten. Spezia could have added a third when Riccardo Saponara struck the back in the last kick of the game.
Pioli Slams His Side’s Lack Of Intensity.
“We are not a team capable of really winning ugly. We always try to focus on passing, intensity, and tempo. So, if we lack those elements, we are not as effective”. Said Pirlo.
“We struggled throughout the game. Nothing worked including my choices and the performances of the players. Obviously, this isn’t what Milan are like. So we need to prove that from next week”.