Spezia 2-0 AC Milan - Spezia produce big shock as Milan suffer Serie A top-four finish blow

AC Milan’s hopes of a top-four finish in Serie A suffered a devastating blow as Stefano Pioli’s side lost 2-0 to relegation-threatened Spezia at Stadio Picco.

Milan were hoping to bounce back after suffering a chastening 2-0 loss to Inter Milan in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final but their season continued to spiral downhill following this damaging defeat.

Przemyslaw Wisniewski popped up with the opener in the 75th-minute and Salvatore Esposito netted a stylish free-kick with five minutes remaining to wrap up what is just Spezia’s second win since January.

Played at a snail’s pace for the majority, the first half was a dire affair with little goalmouth action. Sandro Tonali threatened early on when he shot against the post before Theo Hernandez called Spezia goalkeeper Bartlomiej Dragowski into action with an effort from distance.

The efforts of Spezia – who were winless in eight – was almost rewarded with the lead when Kelvin Amian Adou headed wide from 12 yards out.

After the break, Milan had a strong case for a penalty turned down when Brahim Diaz went down under pressure from Esposito. Frustration grew for Diaz when the Spaniard was denied by the woodwork from an acute angle.

With Milan desperate for a goal, it felt strange that Pioli took off two of his better players in Alexis Saelemaekers and Theo Hernandez with 25 minutes remaining.

Spezia were craving an opener of their own and Maignan’s reactions were tested by M’Bala Nzola and, a minute later, Albin Ekdal before Wisniewski broke the deadlock from close range following a corner.

Esposito secured all three points with a superb free-kick in the 85th-minute, prompting more Spezia wild celebrations, which were in stark contrast to the miserable body language of the visitors.

With just three games remaining, the result leaves Milan two points adrift of fourth-placed Inter, who host Sassuolo later on Saturday and could be five clear by the end of the night. Spezia remain in the relegation zone - but only on goal difference.

Pioli described this game as a ‘must-win’ in his pre-match press conference – but his approach suggested that he still believes Milan can overturn the 2-0 deficit against Inter and that Tuesday’s match remains his priority. The decision to rest a key player such as Giroud will raise eyebrows given the Rossoneri already faced an uphill battle to qualify for next season’s Champions League – and his substitutions will also be subject of much debate.

Milan’s lack of imagination and creativity – once again – underlined the importance of Rafael Leao. The 23-year-old has just signed a new five-year contract to end speculation regarding his future at the club, but the more immediate concern is whether the Portugal international will be fit enough to make the second leg in just three days’ time. If not, Pioli’s dream of a comeback becomes much more difficult and, subsequently, his decisions tonight will come under even more scrunity.

Illuminated what had been a rather dull match with a peach of a free-kick.

Spezia: Dragowski 7, Amian 7, Ampadu 7, Wisniewski 8, Nikolaou 7, Ekdal 7, Bourabia 7, Esposito 8*, Reca 7, Nzola 7, Gyasi 7.. subs: Zurkowski 5, Kovalenko N/A.

Milan: Maignan 7, Kalulu 5, Tomori 5, Kjaer 5, Theo Hernandez 5, Tonali 5, Pobega 5, Saelemaekers 5, Brahim Diaz 6, Origi 5, Rebic 5.. subs: Giroud 5, De Ketelaere 5, Calabria N/A, Ballo-Toure 5, Adli 5.

7’ - MILAN HIT THE POST! Tonali hits the post with a low shot from the edge of the box! First sign of intent from Milan.

56’ - DIAZ DENIED BY POST! Tonali releases Diaz and from a tight angle he hits the base of the post! Origi was free and perhaps the better option was to pass the ball centrally!

75’ - GOAL! SPEZIA 1-0 AC MILAN (PRZEMYSLAW WISNIEWKSI): A huge goal at both ends of the table as Wisniewski gives Spezia the lead! The visitors are undone from a corner, Esposito's delivery is met by Amian whose header cannons off the woodwork. Wisniewski is quickest to the rebound, though! With just 15 minutes remaining, how damaging could this prove to Milan's top-four hopes?!

85’ - GOAL! SPEZIA 2-0 AC MILAN (SALVATORE ESPOSITO): Esposito secures all three points with a superb free-kick - he lifts it over the wall and it then nestles into the top corner. And it's his first goal for the club!