Serie A victories for both Milan clubs ahead of their UCL matchup

AFP, Rome || Shining BD

Published: 5/7/2023 6:15:24 AM
(L) AC Milan's French defender Theo Hernandez (R) celebrates with AC Milan's French forward Olivier Giroud after scoring his side's second goal against Lazio on May 6, 2023 at the San Siro stadium in Milan. (R) Inter Milan's Italian defender Federico Dimarco celebrates after opening the scoring against AS Rome on May 6, 2023 at the Olympic stadium in Rome. Photos: AFP

(L) AC Milan's French defender Theo Hernandez (R) celebrates with AC Milan's French forward Olivier Giroud after scoring his side's second goal against Lazio on May 6, 2023 at the San Siro stadium in Milan. (R) Inter Milan's Italian defender Federico Dimarco celebrates after opening the scoring against AS Rome on May 6, 2023 at the Olympic stadium in Rome. Photos: AFP

With identical 2-0 victories over Roman clubs, AC Milan and Inter Milan briefly swapped places in Serie A ahead of their Champions League semi-final matchup.

After winning at home against Lazio in the opening match, Milan briefly moved up to fourth, passing Inter.

"We had a fantastic game. There is now plenty of time to rest up before the semifinal match against Inter, according to Milan head coach Stefano Pioli.

"Let's focus on the Champions League now."

When Inter won away at Roma, they climbed back up to fourth and kept Jose Mourinho's team outside of the European spots.

The Champions League semifinal, according to Inter coach Simone Inzaghi, will be "a showdown played over 180 minutes."

"We know what we have to do," he continued.

Ismael Bennacer scored at the San Siro to give AC Milan the lead in the 17th minute after seizing on a loose ball in the Lazio area.

On the edge of the Milan box, after 29 minutes, wingback Theo Hernandez retrieved a roll-out from goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

The Frenchman escaped an early challenge and ran unimpeded deep into the Lazio half before beating Ivan Provedel with a dipping 30-meter shot.

Lazio failed to get a shot off, but Toma Basic missed a close-range opportunity in the final seconds.

The first leg of the Champions League semifinal between the two Milan clubs is on Wednesday, and both teams appeared to be focused on that game.

Rafael Leao was removed by Milan after ten minutes. The winger informed the bench that he was experiencing thigh pain and was later replaced.

Stopped just in time

"He stopped in time," Pioli said. We'll find out tomorrow. He was at ease and in good spirits at the conclusion of the game, so I don't believe it to be a serious matter.

"Even without him, we can play a great game."

In their matchup with Roma, Inter started several of its regular attacking players from the bench.

While Lautauro Martinez only made an appearance for the final 30 minutes, Edin Dzeko and Henrikh Mkhitaryan watched the entire match from the sidelines.

Left rear After 33 minutes, Federico Dimarco gave Inter the lead, and Romelu Lukaku added a second goal in the 74th.

According to Inzaghi, his adjustments reflected how well his team was doing.

He said, "Now I have the option to select and rotate both in midfield and in attack.

Europe is a goal for the Roma as well. They remained seventh, trailing Inter by five points for the final Champions League spot, but if they win the Europa League, they will have another entry point into that competition. On Thursday, Roma will host Leverkusen in the first leg of a semifinal match.

At the final horn, Mourinho gathered his team on the field.

"I thanked them for their efforts, the efforts of those who are exhausted, of those who played on one leg, of those who played with broken ribs or after an injection," he said.

"I return home filled with pride. We're going to be there on Thursday."

Lazio, who are neighbors with Napoli and the reigning champions, are still in second place, but if Juventus defeats Atalanta on Sunday, they could fall to third.

Earlier on Saturday, Genoa defeated Ascoli 2-1 in Serie B to guarantee their immediate promotion to the top division.

With two rounds of games remaining, Genoa surpassed third-place Bari, which drew 1-1 at Modena, by an eight-point margin.

Leading Frosinone defeated Pisa 3-1 after gaining promotion the week before.

Six teams will compete in a playoff to determine the third promotion spot.

Genoa could take over for Sampdoria, who are currently 10 points out of safety and last in Serie A.
 

Shining BD