In an unexpected turn of events, Spezia stunned AC Milan with a 2-0 win at home, condemning the Rossoneri to their first league loss in two months and denting their top-four hopes. The victory was secured by two second-half goals from defender Przemyslaw Wisniewski and midfielder Salvatore Esposito, marking Spezia’s first win in nine games and bringing them closer to safety.
Milan, who had clear chances to take the lead in the first half, have only won two of their last seven league matches and play their second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan on Tuesday. They remain fifth in the standings with 61 points, two behind fourth-placed Inter who host Sassuolo later on Saturday.
Spezia’s win came as a surprise for both teams, with the sides playing with higher intensity in the second half. Milan forward Brahim Diaz hit the outside of the post from a tight angle and Spezia’s M’Bala Nzola forced Milan keeper Mike Maignan to save a low shot.
Spezia took the lead in the 75th minute following a corner, with Wisniewski netting the rebound after Kelvin Amian’s header bounced off the post. Esposito, in a stunning display of skill, sealed the win with a free-kick that flew into the top left corner five minutes from time.
Speaking after the match, Milan’s coach, Stefano Pioli, admitted that the defeat complicated their future and limited their chances of being positive this season. While they look forward to Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final, Pioli believes his team can beat Inter.
With Spezia remaining in the relegation zone but leveling with 17th-placed Verona, who have a game in hand, Atalanta dropped to seventh after losing 1-0 at 15th-placed Salernitana earlier on Saturday. The win was sealed in stoppage time through midfielder Antonio Candreva.
This victory for Spezia has boosted their morale and kept their hopes of staying in the league alive, and only time will tell if they can carry this energy forward in their upcoming matches.
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