AC Milan experienced a significant collapse, succumbing to a 1-2 defeat against a Cagliari side that had already secured their league safety. This loss has effectively cost the Rossoneri a coveted Champions League qualification spot.
In recent weeks, Milan had been showing signs of faltering. However, a victory against Genoa and a slip-up from Juventus had positioned them to secure a top-four finish with a win in this crucial match. Off the field, reports suggested internal power struggles, adding to the palpable tension.
While Rafael Leao, Alexis Saelemaekers, and Pervis Estupiñán were available after serving suspensions, only the Belgian, Saelemaekers, was included in the starting lineup, with Leao and Christian Pulisic starting on the bench. Cagliari, having already confirmed their survival in Serie A, had Semih Kilicsoy, Michael Folorunsho, Leonardo Pavoletti, and Riyad Idrissi unavailable.
The deadlock was broken remarkably early, in under two minutes. Santiago Gimenez controlled a long pass from Fikayo Tomori, setting up Alexis Saelemaekers to score from close range after a bounce.
However, Cagliari staged a comeback. A spectacular save from Mike Maignan denied Gianluca Gaetano’s curling effort. From the resulting corner, Yerry Mina headed the ball down, and Gennaro Borrelli reacted quickest to score on the rebound from six yards.
Milan had opportunities to regain the lead. Christopher Nkunku failed to convert a chance from a Saelemaekers layoff, firing directly at Elia Caprile. Gimenez and Youssouf Fofana also missed the target with subsequent efforts.
Maignan was nearly caught out by a cross but was rescued by Tomori. Gimenez also failed to capitalize on a well-placed cross from Adrien Rabiot.
Just before halftime, Gaetano almost scored a spectacular goal, flicking the ball over Fofana, but his subsequent shot went over the bar.
Incredibly, Cagliari took the lead at San Siro from a set piece. A free kick was played down to Borrelli, forcing a sharp save from Maignan at the near post. Juan Rodriguez then reacted quickest to head the loose ball into the net from six yards.
With this result, coupled with Como’s victory, Milan’s Champions League aspirations were effectively over. The team introduced Luka Modric and Niclas Füllkrug in an attempt to salvage the situation.
Christian Pulisic came close with a diving header that went wide. Rafael Leao was finally brought on with 22 minutes remaining.
It was Cagliari, however, who came closest to extending their lead. Maignan was forced into a double save, first from Borrelli and then from the follow-up by Gabriele Zappa at the near post.
Matteo Gabbia made a crucial block on Michel Adopo’s shot, and from the subsequent corner, Gianluca Gaetano unleashed a powerful shot that tested Maignan’s gloves.
Modric’s effort went wide, and Füllkrug was unable to keep his headers on target. Maignan then had to deny Mendy in a one-on-one situation following a counter-attack.
The final whistle confirmed Milan’s defeat, met with deafening jeers from the home crowd. This loss marked their third defeat in their last four matches, significantly impacting their European ambitions.
Match Summary: Milan 1-2 Cagliari
Goals: Saelemaekers 2′ (M), Borrelli 20′ (C), Rodriguez 57′ (C)