AC Milan were held to a 1-1 draw by Fiorentina in Serie A as Christopher Nkunku struck late, leaving Allegri’s side trailing Inter in the title race.
AC Milan dropped further ground in the Serie A title race after a 1-1 draw with Fiorentina. The result at Stadio Artemio Franchi made it back-to-back league draws for Massimiliano Allegri’s side. Milan remain second but sit two points behind leaders Inter. Pressure could increase with rivals still to play later in the round.
The Rossoneri showed control early but lacked a cutting edge. Fiorentina stayed compact and waited for their moments. The contest shifted after the break as the hosts grew in confidence. Milan were forced to rely on a late intervention to escape with a point.
Milan should have gone ahead inside the opening 20 minutes. Christian Pulisic was denied from close range by David de Gea after neat work from Niclas Fullkrug. The American winger then fired narrowly wide with a left footed strike. Those misses would later prove costly.
Fiorentina responded in brief spells rather than sustained pressure. Cher Ndour tested Mike Maignan with a tame header. The first half ended goalless despite Milan edging possession. Allegri’s men looked the sharper side but lacked ruthlessness.
The hosts returned with greater intent after halftime. Fabiano Parisi forced Maignan into a smart save from range. Robin Gosens then went close with a header as Fiorentina pinned Milan back. The pressure finally told in the 66th minute.
Pietro Comuzzo opened the scoring with a well-directed header. He met Albert Gudmundsson’s corner and guided the ball into the bottom corner. The Franchi erupted as Fiorentina sensed a statement win. Milan suddenly faced the prospect of a rare league defeat. Allegri’s side have only lost once in Serie A this season.
Milan pushed forward after falling behind but left spaces at the back. Allegri turned to his bench in search of inspiration. The equaliser arrived in the 90th minute through Christopher Nkunku. The substitute drilled a low finish at the near post after a clever pass from Youssouf Fofana.
Fiorentina nearly stole the points in stoppage time. Marco Brescianini rattled the crossbar from distance. Moise Keane was then denied by a sharp Maignan save. The Milan captain finished with six saves on the night.
Milan edged the expected goals count with 1.93 from 13 shots. Only three of those efforts hit the target. Fiorentina generated 1.90 xG from 20 attempts and seven shots on target. The hosts were more aggressive after the interval.
Milan have now recovered 10 points from losing positions this season. Only Cagliari have managed more. The Rossoneri remain unbeaten in 18 straight league matches. Nkunku has five goal involvements in 13 Serie A appearances.
Milan have opened the year with two draws and cannot afford further slips. Inter face Napoli later, with a chance to extend their lead. Allegri’s side must quickly refocus when they travel to Como on Thursday to stay in the hunt. Fiorentina will take confidence from a strong display against elite opposition. They travel to Bologna on Sunday 18th January looking to climb out of the relegation zone.
