On May 1, 2022, AC Milan solidified their position at the top of the Serie A standings with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fiorentina at the iconic San Siro. The match, decided by a late goal from Rafael Leao, saw Milan extend their lead to five points over rivals Inter Milan, who had a chance to close the gap later that day against Udinese. With only three games remaining in the season, this win kept Milan firmly in the driver’s seat in their pursuit of a first league title in over a decade.
Leao Capitalizes on Goalkeeper’s Error
The defining moment came with just eight minutes left in the match. Fiorentina goalkeeper Pietro Terracciano made a costly mistake with a misplaced pass, which Leao seized upon with precision. The Portuguese winger charged toward goal and fired a low, clinical shot to secure the victory. Leao’s composure in the clutch moment was pivotal, redeeming an earlier miss when he skied a close-range effort just after halftime. His goal underscored his growing importance to Stefano Pioli’s squad, as Milan continued their quest for Serie A glory.
A Tense and Tactical Battle
The first half saw Milan struggle to create clear-cut chances, failing to register a shot on target. The second half began with promise, but Leao’s early miss and a wayward half-volley from Theo Hernandez highlighted Milan’s initial difficulty in breaking down Fiorentina’s defense. Despite dominating possession and finding space on the left flank, Milan couldn’t consistently trouble Terracciano until the goalkeeper’s late error. Hernandez also escaped a potential red card after an elbow on Fiorentina’s Lucas Martinez Quarta, a moment that could have shifted the game’s momentum.
Fiorentina’s Missed Opportunity
Fiorentina nearly stole the lead in the 75th minute when Arthur Cabral’s header tested Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. The French shot-stopper produced a brilliant save to keep the score level, setting the stage for Leao’s decisive strike. Despite their spirited performance, Fiorentina couldn’t capitalize on their chances, leaving San Siro empty-handed but proving their competitiveness against the league leaders.
Milan’s Title Push Gains Momentum
With 77 points from 35 matches, Milan’s victory over Fiorentina was a statement of intent under Pioli’s leadership. The win showcased the team’s resilience and ability to seize critical moments, even when not at their fluid best. As Inter Milan trailed by five points with a game in hand, the pressure remained on Milan to maintain their form in the final stretch of the season. Leao’s contribution, both in attack and in exploiting defensive errors, highlighted his emergence as a key figure in Milan’s title chase.
Looking Ahead
This victory kept Milan firmly in control of their destiny as they aimed to end an 11-year Serie A title drought. With challenging fixtures ahead, Pioli’s side would need to maintain their focus and capitalize on their attacking talents, led by Leao. For Fiorentina, the defeat was a missed opportunity to upset the league leaders, but their performance showed they could compete with Serie A’s elite. As the season neared its climax, Milan’s ability to grind out results like this one would be crucial in their quest for the championship.
