December 12, (THEWILL) – AC Milan drew 1-1 with Udinese at the Dacia Arena thanks to Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s acrobatic attempt. It came in the 92nd minute, when the Swede scored a spectacular goal to save Milan’s blushes, albeit undeservedly.
Beto was the first player to score for new Udinese manager Gabriele Cioffi, finishing a neat Tolgay Arslan through ball at the second attempt in a game that lacked quality and real urgency.
Milan, who lead the league, were not at their best, but they had chances: Brahim Diaz wasted two good chances, while veteran striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was often isolated and deprived of good service as the Rossonieri looked toothless in the final third and unlike their usual selves.
The game did not live up to its billing; the hosts kept their wits about them and took a cautious approach, not wanting to expose themselves too much as they sought to secure a crucial victory.
But, right at the end, Ibrahimovic, as acrobatic as ever, grabbed a point for Milan with an overhead kick.
Stefano Pioli will be frustrated with his team’s wastefulness in front of goal and lack of inventiveness when entering the final third, but the home side will be unconcerned as they ended up stealing an important point that helped them move a point clear of the raging relegation race underneath them.
It was a game that was Milan’s to win as they were against a team who had recently fired their manager and was suffering in the bottom part of the standings. The expectation was that Milan will come in, dominate and grab the three points on offer with ease.
Instead, they were fractious, timid on the ball and worse when in transition. It was a situation that the hosts, who had been well-drilled under new coach Cioffi, took full advantage of, playing a classic counter-attacking approach that was flawlessly executed when they scored.
Fortunately, once again, and not for the last time, Ibrahimovic came to the rescue with an acrobatic agility belying his 40 years of age.
Udinese will play Crotone in a Coppa Italia match on Tuesday before travelling to Cagliari the following Saturday. Milan have eight days until their next match, a critical contest against Napoli at home.
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.
