Marking only their second home win in five league outings, AC Milan regained top spot in the Serie A table after a narrow victory over struggling Sampdoria. It was a strong display by Rossoneri who could have scored few more but 1-0 and three points is what matters most to Stefano Pioli.The hosts stamped their authority inside the first ten minutes with Rafael Leao sending it inside the net of man-of-the-match Wladimiro Falcone’s net. Following a spectacular crossfield assist from goalkeeper Mike Maignan, quick-footed Portuguese ran by his defender and Falcone could only watch on as the heavy favourites put themselves in the lead.🎥 | Leao’s goal against Sampdoria pic.twitter.com/X3UQB64Wp3— Milan Eye (@MilanEye) February 13, 2022 The table-top returnees remained dominant for the remainder of the half, unsurprisingly. A top-class one-handed save from Falcone which denied Junior Messias’ shot derailed the hosts from doubling their lead.Following the break, Messias was at it once again, this time bending his effort beyond the far post – again coming agonisingly close. Sampdoria manager Marco Giampaolo made a triple substitution in the 53rd minute, sensing the tide was firmly against them so the visitors’ coach introduced Tommaso Augello, Ronaldo Vieira, and Albin Ekdal. Four minutes later, AC Milan responded with their own triple change. It almost paid immediate dividends for boss Pioli when Olivier Giroud’s acrobatic effort was met with a strong save from Falcone.Dzeko saves Nerazzurri, putting a stop to Napoli’s title hopes for nowEven though there was constant pressure from AC Milan, Sampdoria remained in the contest with the one-goal margin – hoping of an unlikely point to be taken home to Genoa. Making a string of saves throughout the contest, Falcone was largely responsible for the narrow deficit. Once again, Giroud came close to scoring after beating two defenders to the ball, but his header was tipped away by the inspired shot-stopper. Much to AC Milan’s frustration, Falcone’s heroics continued late on – it was substitute Ante Rebić who got denied.The early goal was enough to see the Rossoneri pick up all three points and the San Siro squad are now one point above rivals Inter Milan, at least for the time being (Nerazzuri have a game less). Sampdoria sit just three points above the drop zone – with today’s defeat they have now suffered five defeats in their last six Serie A contests.SERIE A – ROUND 25SaturdayLazio – Bologna 3-0 (1-0)/Immobile 13 pen, Zaccagni 53,63/Napoli – Inter 1-1 (1-0)/Insigne 5 pen, Dzeko 47/Torino – Venezia 1-2 (1-1)/Brekalo 5 – Haps 38, Crnigoj 46/Sunday AC Milan – Sampdoria 1-0 (1-0)/Leao 8/17.00: (2.05) Empoli (3.60) Cagliari (3.80)17.00: (1.88) Genoa (3.60) Salernitana (4.60)17.00: (1.92) Verona (3.60) Udinese (4.40)20.00: (3.80) Sassuolo (3.50) Roma (2.10)22.45: (3.10) Atalanta (3.35) Juventus (2.45)
