Both Milanese giants AC Milan and Internazionale picked up wins to remain in contention for the Serie A crown. The title race is getting hotter and hotter as only two points separate the two sides at the top.
AC Milan moved back atop the standings after defeating relegation-threatened Genoa 2-0. Rafael Leao and Junior Messias found the back of the net for the home side as Milan returned to winning ways after consecutive draws in their previous two games.
What will be a major relief is the fact that the Rossoneri finally registered goals after drawing blanks in their previous two league affairs. In fact, Stefano Pioli’s men didn’t take long to get their noses ahead in the contest. Rafael Leao opened the scoring at the San Siro after getting on the end of an inch-perfect Pierre Kalulu cross and volleying it home in the 11th minute.
Despite taking the lead, Milan lost momentum and tempo and fell flat in the second half. They failed to get the much-needed insurance goal before finally making it count towards the closing stages of the match. Brazilian midfielder Messias hammered home three minutes before the end of stipulated time to secure all three points for Milan.
Pioli’s side are now on 71 points from 33 matches, following their first win in three league matches. They are two points clear of Inter Milan, who have a game in hand.
If AC Milan raced to their first victory in three league games, neighbours and arch-rivals Internazionale registered their third successive win with a 1-3 victory over Spezia in Serie A.
Following a lacklustre start to the game, midfielder Marcelo Brozovic got Inter ahead in the game when he swept the ball home at the 31st-minute mark.
Inter created and missed a host of chances before Argentine striker Lautaro Martinez found the back of the net in the 73rd minute to put Inter firmly in the driving seat.
Spezia captain Giulio Maggiore scored with two minutes remaining on the clock to ensure a tense and nervy end to the game. However, Alexis Sanchez scored in the third minute of stoppage time to put Spezia out of their misery.
Inter are now on 69 points from 32 matches, and although they trail Milan by a single point, they have an all-important game in hand and will be hopeful of making it count.
