Rafael Leao and Ruben Loftus-Cheek were on target as AC Milan strengthened their grip on second spot in Serie A with a 2-1 victory at Fiorentina.
The hosts paid an emotional pre-match tribute to their late GM Joe Barone following his sudden death earlier this month, but it could not inspire them to achieve a positive result against an in-form Rossoneri, who made it six wins on the spin across all competitions.
Loftus-Cheek opened the scoring from Leao’s delightful back heel on 47 minutes, but Alfred Duncan dragged La Viola level moments later with a stunning strike from distance.
Leao then made it three goals in six crazy second-half minutes with a powerful run and cool finish to put Milan back in charge.
Andrea Belotti went close to rescuing a draw for Fiorentina but could not find a way past Mike Maignan.
The result sees second-placed Milan move six points clear of Juventus in third, but they are still 11 shy of leaders Inter having played a game more.
Fiorentina sit 10th but do have a game in hand on their nearest rivals for the final European spots.
Milan will now host Lecce next Saturday prior to the first-leg of their all-Italian UEFA Europa League quarter final with AS Roma. Fiorentina are at home to Atalanta in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final on Wednesday.
Talking Point – Milan continue fine form
This was always going to be a tricky game for Milan to navigate. Not only was there the tragic backdrop of Barone’s passing, but La Viola had only lost one of their last nine matches on home turf – and that was a narrow 1-0 reversal against leaders Inter.
In truth, the visitors were worthy winners as they maintained their fine form and took advantage of Juventus’ loss at Lazio to seize a firm grip on second spot.
Leao was the protagonist but the Rossoneri have a wealth of attacking talent that appear to be firing very nicely indeed as they look to end the season on a high both at home and abroad.
Player of the match
Rafael Leao (AC Milan). The 24-year-old winger was lively throughout his hour-long outing, capping his 200th appearance for the club with a goal and an assist.
Player Ratings
FIORENTINA: Terracciano 7, Biraghi 6, Martinez Quarta 6, Milenkovic 7, Dodo 7, Duncan 8, Mandragora 6, Ikone 7, Beltran 7, Kouame 7, Belotti 7. Subs: Nico 6, Kayode 6, Nzola n/a, Barak n/a, Sottil n/a.
AC MILAN: Maignan 8, Calabria 7, Thiaw 6, Tomori 7, Florenzi 7, Bennacer 7, Reijnders 7, Chukwueze 8, Loftus-Cheek 8, Leao 8*, Giroud 7. Subs: Gabbia 7, Musah 6, Okafor 6, Pulisic 6, Jovic n/a.
Match Highlights
08’ – AC MILAN CHANCE! A dazzling run from Chukwueze on the right ends with a cut back for Giroud who can only fire a first-time snapshot straight at Pietro Terracciano.
17’ – AC MILAN CHANCES! Terracciano reaches to his left to push away Chukwueze’s far-post header from Leao’s delicious cross. Andrea Belotti then hacks off his own line after Terracciano had parried a header from a right-wing corner against Leao.
30’ – FIORENTINA CHANCES! Ikoné’s lovely run and pass feeds Belotti who glides into the right side of the area but can’t beat Maignan. It’s a fine stop from the Milan keeper who is then delighted to see Ikone’s 20-yarder fly an inch past his left-hand post a moment later.
47’ – GOAL! – Fiorentina 0-1 AC Milan: (Loftus-Cheek). The English midfielder sorts his feet out and taps in from close range after Leao had combined with Chukwueze down the right and back heeled a clever pass into the six-yard box.
50’ – GOAL! – Fiorentina 1-1 AC Milan: (Duncan). That’s a superb reply from the home side as Duncan guides an excellent long-range shot into the far corner.
53’ – GOAL! – Fiorentina 1-2 AC Milan: (Leao). It’s suddenly goals galore as Leao races on to a long pass, holds off two challenges, darts past the keeper and rolls the ball into an empty net.
65’ – FIORENTINA CHANCE! Maignan flings a big right arm into the air to push Belotti’s 20-yard strike on the stretch over the bar.