When Stefano Pioli's AC Milan finished the game with a narrow win against Empoli yesterday at the San Siro, all eyes went to Inter and what they can achieve in their fixture against Torino.
The Rossoneri's number 1 tactician was asked about being first in the standings. Bearing in mind that Inter would play the next day and have a game which was postponed, he picked his words carefully, saying the following:
"Our standings? It’s beautiful but virtual. Our opponents play tomorrow, there are games to catch up. I think it is more regular that everyone played all their games (at the same time), but tonight was a difficult and a complicated game. We risked little, an important victory."
Tonight, though, AC Milan fans can rejoice as there is a great air of optimism. Torino grabbed 1 point against Inter. The first goal was scored by Gleison Bremer in the 12th minute as he continues his high level of performances. The team coached by Ivan Juric worked well in midfield and created important goal scoring opportunities. The referee and VAR, however, could have done better as he denied Andrea Belotti a clear penalty.
Urbano Cairo's club failed to put the game to bed and Inter never stopped trying despite the impressive saves of goalkeeper Etrit Berisha. The Nerazzurri managed to snatch the equaliser in the dying minutes of the game thanks to Alexis Sanchez. Now, they are third in standings with 59 points after 28 fixtures. Napoli are second with 60 points from 29 games while Milan are first after having collected 63 points from 29 matches played.
The situation is clear now for AC Milan. There is only one goal which is to keep winning. Stefano Pioli and his side must take it game by game and not give into the pressure of this final sprint of the season.
The red and black side of Milano have the chance to create history this season. A scudetto dream is now alive and the players now have their destiny in their hands, or more like, at their feet. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and his teammates must switch gears, put a lot of work, focus and dedication to take the next step which is a win against a very desperate side who faces relegation threat: Cagliari.
