Key Takeaways:
- On Sunday night at San Siro, Milan overturned a deficit against Fiorentina to secure top spot in the league
- Rafael Leao scored twice, including a late penalty earned by Santiago Gimenez, sealing the win despite multiple injuries
- Massimiliano Allegri highlighted squad resilience and reaffirmed the aim to consolidate a top-four finish
Match Overview and Injury Challenges
AC Milan entered Sunday night’s clash at San Siro against a struggling Fiorentina side knowing victory would propel them to the league summit. However, the task proved complicated by the absence of key figures including Christian Pulisic, Adrien Rabiot, Christopher Nkunku, Pervis Estupinan, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Ardon Jashari, all sidelined through injury.
The situation grew more precarious early in the second half, as Robin Gosens put the visitors ahead. Facing a deficit and depleted squad, Milan required a concerted team effort to turn the match around.
#Allegri: “Tabella punti? Il cammino è ancora lungo”‼️
L’allenatore rossonero ha parlato così dopo la vittoria, contro la Fiorentina, che ha permesso al #Milan di salire in vetta alla classifica.
🎤 @fraletizia pic.twitter.com/TKy7FmPhjZ
— Sportitalia (@tvdellosport) October 19, 2025
Leao’s Double and Late Drama
Rafael Leao proved decisive in the comeback. First, he cancelled out the deficit with an impressive long-range strike. Then, in the closing ten minutes, Leao showed composure from the penalty spot after Santiago Gimenez won a spot-kick, ensuring Milan claimed all three points. The result vaulted the Rossoneri to the top of the table.
| Match | Result | Milan Goalscorers | Key Incidents |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC Milan vs Fiorentina | 2-1 | Rafael Leao (2) | Gosens scored for Fiorentina; Gimenez won late penalty |
Allegri’s Reflections: Humility, VAR, and Focus Ahead
Following the match, manager Massimiliano Allegri addressed the media, expressing satisfaction with his side’s resilience and stressing the significance of maintaining focus for the fixtures ahead. Allegri underscored that, despite the rotation enforced by injuries and the challenging match circumstances, Milan’s primary objective remains a top-four finish and consolidating a gap over fifth place.
Allegri praised Leao’s impact upon returning from international duty, as well as the team’s overall mentality. He acknowledged that Fofana and the midfield contributed significantly in attack, and called for continued improvement in goalscoring from the centre of the park.
The manager also addressed the penalty incident and subsequent VAR check, noting: “I haven’t seen it. Sometimes they’re given in your favour, sometimes they’re given against you. VAR is a subjective situation, so you have to accept it. It always goes that way.”
Turning attention to the squad’s attitude, Allegri highlighted the importance of humility and defensive organisation, referencing the match against Cremonese and noting the team had only conceded minimal opportunities in similar circumstances. He further commented on the need for aggression and balance, with victories becoming particularly meaningful as the league table begins to take shape at this stage in the campaign.
Looking Ahead
Milan’s focus now shifts to their next fixture on Friday. With several players carrying injuries and the squad fighting to maintain their advantage at the top, Allegri emphasised the necessity of regaining energy and remaining grounded as the season progresses.
