Milan Lose to Lazio and Fail to Close the Gap on Inter in the Title Race

AC Milan failed to take advantage of Inter’s slip in the Italian championship. In the central match of the round, the Rossoneri lost 0–1 away to Lazio and missed the opportunity to move closer to the Serie A leaders.

The only goal of the match came in the first half. In the 27th minute, Danish winger Gustav Isaksen capitalized on a defensive mistake by the visitors, sprinted down the flank and scored from close range past Mike Maignan, giving the Roman club an important victory.

At the same time, Milan had chances to open the scoring earlier. As early as the 10th minute, defender Strahinja Pavlović joined the attack, but his shot was blocked inside the penalty area. Later, a dangerous moment came for Pervis Estupiñán — after a cross from Alexis Saelemaekers he headed the ball, but it went just wide of the post.

Lazio responded with equally dangerous attacks. Kenneth Taylor soon hit the crossbar, and shortly afterward the Romans converted their pressure — Isaksen finished a quick attack with a precise strike. Before halftime Lazio had another chance to extend their lead, but Daniel Maldini failed to beat the visiting goalkeeper.

In the second half Milan tried to turn the game around, but Lazio’s defense acted in an organized manner and preserved their narrow advantage.

After this victory Lazio earned crucial points, while Milan remained at a significant distance from the leader. Inter, despite their own setback in the round following a draw with Atalanta, continue to top the Serie A table and lead the nearest challenger by eight points with nine rounds remaining.

Thus, the Milan club takes another step toward the championship, while Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan could move closer to his second Italian league title with the Nerazzurri.