Frosinone 2-3 AC Milan - Luka Jovic's hot form continues as he climbs off bench to net winner for Rossoneri
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/placeholder/eurosport_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
Updated 03/02/2024 at 19:47 GMT
Luka Jovic climbed off the bench to secure a 3-2 win over AC Milan at Frosinone in Serie A on Saturday evening. The forward has been in hot form and was in the right place to stab home from close range after the ball bobbled in the Frosinone box. The win helped Stefano Pioli’s side cut the gap on the two sides above them in the Serie A table, namely Juventus and leaders Inter.
Luka Jovic of AC Milan celebrates after scoring his side third goal during the Serie A TIM match between Frosinone Calcio and AC Milan at Stadio Benito Stirpe on February 03, 2024 in Frosinone, Italy
Image credit: Getty Images
AC Milan kept their Serie A title hopes alive with a dramatic 3-2 victory at Frosinone.
The Rossoneri led and then trailed in an eventful game that was ultimately settled when substitute Luka Jovic scored with his first touch nine minutes from time.
Frosinone have a strong home record, where they have picked up 21 of their 24 points, and were never going to give Milan an easy night.
Olivier Giroud’s early header, from a delicious Rafael Leao cross, was soon cancelled out when Leao was penalised for handball and Matias Soule scored confidently from the spot.
Milan were in serious trouble when the Frosinone captain Luca Mazzitelli put them ahead in the 65th minute after a mistake from Mike Maignan, but the prospect of defeat roused them from their slumber.
Matteo Gabbia equalised with his first goal in Serie A, and then Jovic continued his fine recent form with a smart reaction finish.
The result keeps Milan on the fringes of the title race, five points behind the leaders Inter Milan having played two games more.
They know that at least one of Inter and Juventus, who meet on Sunday, will drop points this weekend. It was essential Milan closed the gap at the top; Jovic's clinical finish ensured they did so.
Talking Point – Can Pioli hang on to Milan job?
For the short time that Frosinone led 2-1, the main topic of conversation was the availability of Antonio Conte as a potential replacement for Stefano Pioli. Conte has been out of football for almost a year since his self-checkout at Spurs, and though his style of play is not to all tastes, he is a proven Serie A winner.
Milan’s comeback silenced that chatter for now, but the scrutiny and pressure are not going to go away. It feels a little harsh, given Milan have taken 20 points from their last eight games, but Pioli knows that’s the reality of managing a giant club.
Player of the Match – Rafael Leao (Milan)
At times he flattered to deceive, but Leao was comfortably the most elegant and penetrative player on the pitch. His sumptuous cross created Olivier Giroud’s goal, and though he gave away a penalty shortly after, it was for a handball that he knew nothing about.
In the second half Leao tormented Francesco Gelli, whose legs almost turned to his surname at one stage, and all three goals came from attacks down the Milan left. At his best, he is a class above almost everyone else in Serie A.
Player Ratings
Frosinone: Turati 6; Gelli 6, Okoli 7, Romagnoli 6, Brescianini 7; Mazzitelli 7, Barrenchea 6, Harroui 6; Seck 7, Kaio Jorge 6, Soule 7.
Subs: Cheddira 6, Ibrahimovic 6, Lirola 6, Reinier 6, Valeri 6.
Subs: Cheddira 6, Ibrahimovic 6, Lirola 6, Reinier 6, Valeri 6.
Milan: Maignan 5; Calabria 6, Kjaer 7, Gabbia 7, T Hernandez 6; Adli 7, Reijnders 6; Pulisic 5, Loftus-Cheek 6, Rafael Leao 8; Giroud 7.
Subs: Bennacer 6, Florenzi 6, Jovic 8, Musah 6, Okafor 6, Florenzi 6.
Subs: Bennacer 6, Florenzi 6, Jovic 8, Musah 6, Okafor 6, Florenzi 6.
Match Highlights
17’GOAL! Frosinone 0-1 AC Milan (Giroud) The first shot on target brings the first goal! Loftus-Cheek finds Rafael Leao on the left, and he teases a beautiful deep towards Giroud. He pulls away from the defender, strains his neck muscles and forces a downward header past Turali.
22’PENALTY TO FROSINONE! Milan aren't happy. Rafael Leao has been penalised for handball right on the edge of the area. It'll be checked by VAR but I think it was inside. Leao was only a couple of yards away from Gelli and had no intention of handling the ball, but in the modern game that doesn't matter - his arm was outstretched and the ball hit it.
24’GOAL! Frosinone 1-1 Milan (Soule pen) Soule's penalty is a beauty, curled high into the net with his left foot. Maignan went the right way, to his right, but couldn't get near it.
65’GOAL! Frosinone 2-1 Milan (Mazzatelli) The captain Luca Mazzatelli gives Frosinone the lead after a mistake from Mike Maignan! He ran into the area to meet a short through pass from Soule, and screwed a first-time shot from a very tight angle that bounced over the right leg of Maignan. He really shouldn't be beaten from that angle.
72’GOAL! Frosinone 2-2 Milan (Gabbia) Matteo Gabbia equalises for Milan! A corner was half cleared and swung back towards the far post by Adli. Giroud headed across goal under pressure - he might have been trying to score himself - and Gabbia stooped to head into the net from four yards. It's his first Serie A goal.
81’GOAL! Frosinone 2-3 Milan (Jovic) Now that's what I call an impact substitution: Luka Jovic has put Milan ahead moments after coming on! A deep cross from the left hit the unsighted Valeri and bounced perfectly for Jovic, who poked a decisive first-time shot past Turati.
Key Stats
- - -
TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including Gallagher Premiership Rugby, the Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup and Premiership Rugby Cup. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media
Scan me
Share this article