It seemed as if AC Milan may have been able to win this match, but because of some controversial calls late in the contest by the referee, Marco Serra, Spezia was able to hang on to this much – needed victory for them as they now sit just 6 – points clear of the relegation zone. After the game ref Serra superficially apologized for his missed calls, although his official stance stood despite the protest from the AC Milan side.
Emmanuel Gyasi netted the game – winning – goal on a nice counter – attack for Spezia during stoppage time in this heated Italian football battle. Gyasi’s decisive goal quickly followed the potential winning goal by AC Milan’s Junior Messias, but the ref disallowed that goal following a foul called on AC Milan’s striker Ante Rebić. Instead, AC Milan was given a free – kick instead of the goal as the ref held up his hand in order to say “my bad.”
The goal – tender for Spezia, Ivan Provedel, made a miraculous leaping save in order to stop that free – kick from the grizzled veteran forward, Zlatan Ibrahimović. Then just seconds after that, the Spezia’s goalie once again denied Zlatan’s follow – up attempt as Provedel redirected Ibrahimović’s header off of the cross bar to seal the victory for Spezia over AC Milan last Monday.
Earlier on halfway through the 2nd – half Kevin Agudelo managed to net the equalizing goal for Spezia. Leão also scored a goal for Spezia as they ultimately won this controversial game that eventually left AC Milan in 2nd – place of the Italian Serie A League standings, as AC Milan sits only 2 – points behind the league – leading Inter Milan who also has a game at hand over AC Milan too. Napoli remains in 3rd – place in the Italian Serie A League.
Sources:
The Associated Press News Services. “Ref apologizes for apparent error in AC Milan loss to Spezia”. The Associated Press. January 17, 2022.
“Italian Serie A Table 2021 – 22”. ESPN. January 18, 2022.