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Milan’s hopes of securing a top-four end in Serie A suffered one other setback as they fell to a 2-1 defeat away in opposition to Torino. In a recreation all Rossoneri followers would relatively neglect, their journey to Torino took a disastrous flip as Christian Pulisic missed the primary penalty of his skilled profession—ending an ideal streak that stretched throughout each membership and worldwide matches.
Their woes have been compounded by a comical personal aim from Malick Thiaw, leaving Sergio Conceicao’s males trailing and determined for a comeback. With their Champions League elimination nonetheless recent of their minds, Milan wanted a win to remain aggressive within the race for a Champions League spot forward of subsequent season. But, their hopes started to unravel within the first half with an personal aim that appeared ripped from a blooper reel.
Making an attempt to clear the ball exterior his penalty field, goalkeeper Mike Maignan struck the ball instantly into teammate Malick Thiaw, sending it ricocheting into the Rossoneri’s web. It was a merciless coincidence for Thiaw, who had additionally scored an personal aim within the groups’ earlier 2-2 draw final August.
Milan’s alternative to equalize got here when Torino’s Tori Pedersen dedicated a blatant handball whereas making an attempt to dam a header from Rafael Leao—incomes the guests a penalty. Up stepped Pulisic, a participant famend for his composure from the spot. Previous to this match, the American winger had transformed all 12 penalties he had taken in his skilled profession, 9 of which in membership motion, together with three for Milan (two in Serie A and one within the Italian Tremendous Cup), and the remaining three or the US Males’s Nationwide Crew.
Nevertheless, Torino goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, identified for his penalty-saving prowess, guessed accurately and parried Pulisic’s strike—marking his fourth save of the season from the spot, out of a complete of 5.
What went fallacious for Milan?
Whereas the miss was a shock, credit score should go to Milinkovic-Savic for his reflexes and anticipation. The Serbian keeper’s document speaks for itself, and even probably the most dependable penalty-takers can falter in opposition to a specialist of his caliber.
Pulisic, nonetheless, will undoubtedly really feel the load of the miss, particularly given its significance in a match the place Sergio Conceicao‘s gamers desperately wanted factors. The American has been one in all Milan’s standout performers this season, however this setback will take a look at his resilience as the sport progresses.
The Crimson and Blacks’ strain lastly paid off within the 74th minute when Reijnders smashed a robust shot into the highest nook after Riccardo Sottil laid the ball off to him, leveling the rating at 1-1.
Sadly, the guests’ celebrations have been short-lived. Simply minutes later, Il Toro capitalized on a lapse in focus. Sanabria took a free kick shortly, catching Milan’s protection off guard and releasing Gvidas Gineitis, who fired a low shot throughout aim and into the underside nook, restoring his aspect’s lead.
With Bologna’s loss and Lazio’s draw earlier within the day, Milan had the right alternative to realize floor within the Serie A standings. But, the mixture of weird particular person errors and Pulisic’s missed penalty now dangers leaves the Rossoneri scrambling to maintain tempo within the race for Champions League qualification.
