AC Milan’s season spiraled further into disarray following a dramatic 2-1 home defeat to Lazio, a result that intensified the growing discontent among the club’s fanbase. The match, played amidst a backdrop of fan protests and a tense atmosphere at the San Siro, saw Milan struggle to find their footing and ultimately succumb to a late penalty converted by Lazio’s Pedro in the eighth minute of stoppage time. This devastating loss leaves Milan languishing in ninth place in Serie A, a stark contrast to their ambitions and history as seven-time European champions. The defeat also amplified the calls for change from the supporters, who openly voiced their displeasure with the club’s ownership and recent performances.
The match itself was a tense affair. Mattia Zaccagni initially put Lazio ahead with his tenth goal of the season across all competitions, capitalizing on Milan’s struggles to create clear-cut chances. Samuel Chukwueze managed to level the score for Milan in the 85th minute, offering a glimmer of hope for a salvaged point. However, the drama was far from over. In the dying moments of the match, Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan brought down Gustav Isaksen inside the penalty area, handing Lazio a golden opportunity to snatch victory. Pedro stepped up and coolly dispatched the penalty, silencing the already disgruntled Milan supporters and sparking jubilant celebrations among the visiting Lazio fans. This dramatic late twist compounded Milan’s woes and further fueled the already simmering tensions surrounding the club.
The fan protests added another layer of complexity to the already challenging situation at AC Milan. The club’s hardcore supporters staged a demonstration of their anger by delaying their entry into the stadium until the 15th minute. Their protest was aimed at the club’s ownership, RedBird, and the perceived decline in performance on the pitch. Once inside the stadium, the fans continued their protests, chanting derogatory slogans directed at the players and ownership, expressing their deep dissatisfaction with the club’s direction. The atmosphere inside the San Siro remained tense throughout the match, with the fans’ displeasure palpable. The late penalty and subsequent defeat only served to exacerbate the tension, leaving Milan facing a crisis both on and off the pitch.
In contrast to Milan’s struggles, Lazio’s victory propelled them into the coveted fourth spot in Serie A, a position that guarantees Champions League football next season. They now sit one point ahead of Juventus, who have a game in hand. Lazio’s win was a testament to their resilience and ability to capitalize on opportunities, particularly in the crucial final stages of the match. For Milan, the defeat underscored their recent struggles, with the team now having lost three matches in just over a week. This run of poor form has raised serious questions about the team’s ability to compete at the highest level and has put immense pressure on the club’s management and players.
Meanwhile, AS Roma continued their resurgence under veteran manager Claudio Ranieri, securing a 2-1 victory against 10-man Como. This win was Roma’s eighth in 11 league matches, showcasing their impressive turnaround since Ranieri took charge in November. At that time, the club was flirting with the relegation zone, but Ranieri’s guidance has transformed their fortunes. The victory moved Roma into eighth place, just four points behind sixth-placed Bologna, who currently occupy the Conference League spot. This upturn in form has not only lifted Roma away from the relegation battle but has also put them within striking distance of European qualification, a remarkable achievement considering their precarious position earlier in the season.
Roma’s victory against Como was hard-fought, with the away side taking the lead just before half-time through Lucas Da Cunha. However, second-half goals from Roma substitutes Alexis Saelemaekers and Artem Dovbyk turned the game in their favor. Como’s task was made even more difficult when Marc Kempf was sent off for two bookable offenses in the 63rd minute. Despite being reduced to ten men, Como put up a valiant fight and nearly equalized in the closing stages, hitting the post and then forcing a save from Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar. Ultimately, Roma held on for the victory, highlighting their resilience and determination under Ranieri’s leadership. Como, despite the loss, remain in a relatively comfortable position in 13th place, six points clear of the relegation zone. Their performance against Roma, even with a man down, suggests they have the quality to secure their Serie A status for another season.
