January 11, (THEWILL) — Christopher Nkunku struck in stoppage time to earn AC Milan a 1-1 draw against Fiorentina at Stadio Artemio Franchi. The result leaves Massimiliano Allegri’s team trailing league leaders, Inter, by two points, with the Milan club’s rivals set to face defending champions, Napoli, later on Sunday.
Milan threatened early when Christian Pulisic’s effort from close range was denied by David de Gea following excellent work from Niclas Fullkrug. Pulisic then fired a left-footed attempt narrowly wide, whilst Cher Ndour tested Mike Maignan with a header at the opposite end during a competitive first half.
The hosts emerged with greater intensity after the break, with Fabiano Parisi forcing Maignan into action. Fiorentina’s pressure paid off in the 66th minute when Pietro Comuzzo connected with Albert Gudmundsson’s corner, heading the ball into the net after Robin Gosens had come close moments earlier.
Milan appeared destined for a second league loss of the campaign until substitute Nkunku fired home from close range after receiving Youssouf Fofana’s incisive pass behind the Fiorentina defence. The goal came in the final minute of regulation time and spared the visitors from dropping further behind in the title race.
Fiorentina nearly claimed victory in added time when Marco Brescianini struck the woodwork before Moise Keane’s follow-up was kept out by Maignan. The draw extends Milan’s winless run and increases the pressure on Allegri ahead of crucial fixtures in the coming weeks.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
