Once again, the Italian league was full of excitement and drama, setting things up nicely for the derby clash between Inter Milan and Juventus and the game between Roma and Napoli, both scheduled to be held on Sunday.
Raphael Leao opened the scoring for AC Milan after a smearing run on the left flank, and thumped it clinically through the near post. Adama Soumaoro denied a clear-goal scoring opportunity for Krunic, which got him sent off. Davide Calabria muscled a brilliant strike a few minutes, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s unprecedented own goal got one back for hosts.
Musa Barrow sensationally equalized three minutes later, but Bologna’s hopes of a comeback were drowned after Roberto Soriano’s horrible tackle on Ballo-Toure reduced their side to nine men. Milan struck twice with Ismael Bennacer and Ibra netting twice in the last five minutes of normal time, as the Rossoneri rounded off a 4-2 win.
Sampdoria managed to keep hold of a 2-goal cushion until the very end before losing out on a clean sheet right at the death against Spezia. Emmanuel Gyasi’s own goal opened the scoring for the hosts, and Antonio Candreva’s smart finish to the right of the keeper made it 2-0 before the first half. They kept hold of their lead until the final minute of stoppage time, but Daniele Verde’s goal got the visitors a consolation.
Salernitana put on a spirited performance despite going 4-0 down in 45 minutes against Empoli. Andrea Pinamonti scored in the second minute and two other quick goals followed.
Empoli got a penalty late in the first half, which Pinamonti converted, and they went into the break 4-0. Salernitana fought back in the second 45, with a good goal from Luca Ranieri and an own goal from Ardian Ismajli. They kept up the pressure but kept the pressure high on the visitors. The game finished 4-2 in favour of Empoli.
Sassuolo had to come from 1-0 down to register a comeback win in their clash against Venezia. Paolo Zanetti’s side are just off the relegation zone and could’ve gone further ahead with David Okereke’s 32nd-minute goal, assisted by former Chelsea man Ethan Ampadu.
Domenico Berardi equalized almost immediately, and they went all square into the second half.
Thomas Henry was at the unfortunate end of a late goal before Davide Frattesi’s 66th-minute strike gifted them a sensational 3-1 win. Sassuolo are now within striking distance of a European slot after this morale-boosting win.
