AC Milan showcased resilience in a thrilling late comeback against Udinese, securing a 3-2 victory despite Christian Pulisic’s relatively quiet game. The match was not without controversy, with goalkeeper Mike Maignan reporting racial abuse from Udinese’s fans.
The encounter at Stadio Friuli unfolded with Milan taking the lead through Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s composed finish in the 31st minute. However, the game was momentarily halted due to Maignan’s complaints about racist abuse. Lazar Samardzic equalized for Udinese in the 42nd minute, and Florian Thauvin put the hosts ahead. Substitute Luka Jovic seemed to salvage a point for Milan with a close-range header, but the drama intensified when fellow sub Noah Okafor secured an unlikely victory in second-half stoppage time.
This dramatic turn of events sees Milan maintaining their third position, six points behind league leaders Inter. The win, their fourth in five Serie A matches, keeps them in the title hunt. However, the team will need to address lapses in performance, as evident in moments when they stopped playing during the contest.
Christian Pulisic, one of Milan’s standout players this season, had a relatively subdued game against Udinese. While leading in duels won and tackles completed in the first half, he lacked a significant impact in the attacking aspect. The decision to substitute him before the late comeback raises questions about his influence on the game. On the other hand, Yunus Musah, entering the fray with two minutes remaining, reflects his status on the fringes of the squad.
Goal’s ratings highlight Pulisic’s defensive contributions but suggest the need for greater authority in attacking situations. The late substitution adds a layer of scrutiny to his performance.
Looking ahead, Stefano Pioli’s Milan faces a challenging fixture against seventh-placed Bologna on January 27 in Serie A, followed by a trip to face Frosinone a week later. The team aims to sustain their positive momentum and address areas for improvement in their pursuit of silverware. The thrilling victory against Udinese serves as both a testament to their fighting spirit and a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in the Serie A campaign.
