AC Milan secured a dramatic 2-3 win against Frosinone in a Serie A showdown. Join us in reliving the intensity, pivotal plays, and exceptional performances that shaped this gripping football encounter.
Pre-Match
Press Conference
AC Milan‘s head coach, Stefano Pioli, exuded confidence in his pre-match press conference on the eve of their match against Frosinone. Reflecting on their recent performance against Bologna, Pioli acknowledged the team’s positive run but stressed the need for improved defensive capabilities. With a focus on the upcoming match, Pioli recognized Frosinone’s quality, highlighting their creative play and intensity under coach Di Francesco.
“I have huge belief in my players.”
Addressing the return of midfielder Bennacer from AFCON, Pioli praised his versatile skill set, emphasizing the importance of intensity and quality. Despite transfer market opportunities not aligning with their needs, Pioli expressed contentment with the squad and its attacking philosophy. Pioli affirmed his belief in the players, stating, “I have huge belief in my players, and the more I see in training during the week the more I am convinced. We will take stock at the end of the year.”
As the team aims for three consecutive away wins, Pioli emphasized the importance of concentration, stating, “We are concentrated on the present and trying to make this season a positive one. The rest does not concern us.”
Interesting Statistics
(For February 2nd, 2024)
- Undefeated Record: AC Milan boasts an undefeated record against Frosinone in Serie A, with three wins and two draws.
- Goal-Scoring Prowess: Milan has scored at least two goals in eight of their last nine league matches, averaging 2.4 goals per game since early December. Overall, they have the highest goal tally in Serie A with 22, at least two more than any other team.
- First-Half Dominance: Milan leads Serie A in first-half goals with 24, setting up a clash with Frosinone, which has conceded the most goals in the first half (20).
- League Standings: Currently sitting third in the Serie A table with 46 points, Milan aims to close the gap on leaders Inter (54 points) and Juventus (53 points).
Matchday
Match Details
FROSINONE 2-3 AC MILAN – February 3rd, 2024
FROSINONE (4-3-3): Turati; Gelli, Romagnoli, Okoli, Brescianini; Mazzitelli, Barrenechea, Harroui; Soulé, Kaio Jorge, Seck. Subs: Cerofolini, Frattali; Lirola, Monterisi, Valeri; Bourabia, Garritano, Reinier; Cheddira, Ibrahimović, Kvernadze. Coach: Eusebio Di Francesco.
AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Calabria, Kjær, Gabbia, Hernández; Adli, Reijnders; Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek, Leão; Giroud. Subs: Nava, Sportiello; Bartesaghi, Florenzi, Jiménez, Simić, Terracciano; Bennacer, Musah; Jović, Okafor. Coach: Stefano Pioli.
Referee: Pairetto from Nichelino.
First Half
The match kicked off at a frenetic pace, with Frosinone threatening early through Soulé within the first 40 seconds. In response, AC Milan’s Pulisic initiated a promising counter-attack in the 3rd minute, although he could not find the net. The intensity escalated, and in the 17th minute, Giroud brilliantly headed the ball past Turati from a Leão cross, putting AC Milan in the lead.
However, the hosts retaliated swiftly. In the 22nd minute, a handball by Leão led to a penalty, expertly converted by Soulé, equalizing the score at 1-1. Pulisic and Giroud continued to create opportunities, but Turati denied Pulisic’s attempt in the 30th minute, and Giroud narrowly missed connecting with another Leão cross in the 35th minute. Towards the end of the first half, Frosinone’s goalkeeper made a crucial save from Rafa’s deflected effort, and a header from Reijnders was comfortably caught.
Second Half
AC Milan returned with determination, looking to seize control. However, Frosinone capitalized on chances through Seck and Kaio Jorge. Pioli’s strategic changes saw Bennacer and Okafor entering the game, but Frosinone took the lead in the 65th minute through Mazzitelli. Undeterred, AC Milan mounted a comeback in the 72nd minute. Giroud’s header set up Gabbia, who scored from point-blank range.
The Rossoneri intensified their pursuit of victory, with Leão sprinting forward in the 74th minute. AC Milan’s persistence paid off in the 81st minute when substitute Jović, displaying quick reactions, secured the comeback with the winning goal following a ricochet in the six-yard box. Leão continued his strong runs, and Musah made a crucial defensive intervention in the 90th minute. After five minutes of added time, the final whistle confirmed AC Milan’s thrilling 3-2 triumph.
Goals:
- AC MILAN: 17′ Giroud (M), 72′ Gabbia (M), 81′ Jović (M)
- FROSINONE: 24′ pen. Soulé (F), 65′ Mazzitelli (F)
Booked:
- AC MILAN: 43′ Loftus-Cheek (M), 48′ Reijnders (M), 90’+5 Florenzi (M)
- FROSINONE: 56′ Harroui (F)
This exhilarating victory underscores AC Milan’s indomitable spirit, recording three consecutive away wins and an eight-match unbeaten streak in the league, consolidating their third-place position with 49 points. After the weekend we left behind, Juventus is currently in second place with 53 points, and Inter is in first place with 57 points.
Post-Match Analysis
Press Conference
Following the thrilling 2-3 victory over Frosinone, Pioli acknowledged Matteo Gabbia’s stellar performances, attributing the defender’s success to enthusiasm and reliability. Pioli, cautious of compliments, discussed the need for attacking balance and justified strategic substitutions. Reflecting on Frosinone’s motivation, Pioli credited his team’s interpretation of the game. He expressed confidence in Luka Jovic’s capabilities and downplayed regrets, emphasizing the team’s positive trajectory.
Matteo Gabbia, AC Milan’s central defender, spoke post-match, praising the team’s unity in a challenging environment. Dedication of his first Serie A goal to his family highlighted the emotional win. Gabbia acknowledged areas for improvement but underlined the team’s spirit and joy in securing three points. Looking ahead to the Napoli match, Gabbia expressed readiness to face a strong opponent.
Statistical Highlights
- Possession: AC Milan 58% – 42% Frosinone
- Shots: AC Milan 13 – 7 Frosinone
- Shots on target: AC Milan 5 – 4 Frosinone
- Offsides: AC Milan 1 – 0 Frosinone
MVP – Olivier Giroud
Giroud stole the spotlight as the MVP in Frosinone vs AC Milan. His 19 goal contributions this Serie A season, including 11 goals and eight assists, surpass his previous achievements (18 in the 2022/23 season). Giroud’s prowess extends to headers, outperforming others in Europe’s top five divisions.
You can watch the match highlights below:
