AC Milan secured a comfortable 2-0 victory against Udinese at the Stadio Friuli, keeping them four points adrift of the Serie A summit. The fixture, played during the eighth round of the Italian top flight, saw Christian Pulisic open the scoring early before an insurance goal sealed the points.
Pulisic Scores Early as Modric Dictates Tempo
The match turned in the sixth minute when veteran midfielder Luka Modrić launched a free-kick from inside his own half. Udinese defender Mergilio Vojvoda misjudged the defensive line, playing Pulisic onside. The American forward controlled the ball cleanly on the volley and slotted it neatly into the far corner past goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. According to player ratings published by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pulisic earned a 7.5 for his decisive attacking display, while Modrić matched that score with an influential performance that dictated the tempo throughout the evening.
Udinese Suffer Sixth Defeat as Davis Struggles
For the home side, the evening compounded a difficult run of form. reported that Udinese suffered their sixth defeat, placing mounting pressure on manager Runjaić ahead of upcoming fixtures against Parma and Roma. Forward Keinan Davis struggled significantly in the final third, committing two major errors that earned him a 5 rating in La Gazzetta dello Sport. Davis missed a crucial chance in the 36th minute when he found himself unmarked in the penalty area but shot straight at Milan goalkeeper Maignan. Despite missing several key players through injuries and late withdrawals—including Solet—Udinese failed to mount a sustained offensive response.
Bartesaghi and Tomori Help Milan Secure Second Goal
Milan maintained tactical superiority through tireless runs from left-back Davide Bartesaghi and central defender Fikayo Tomori. highlighted Tomori’s strong return to the lineup with a 7 rating, while Bartesaghi earned a 7.5 for his constant attacking contributions down the flank. The Rossoneri doubled their advantage in the 66th minute when Jashari unleashed a powerful strike that Okoye could only parry, allowing substitute Hutchinson to pounce and tap home the rebound from close range.
Milan Draws Level with Roma in Third Place
With the 2-0 win, Milan draws level with Roma on points in third place, sitting four points behind league leaders Inter and Lazio. Amorim’s side managed the contest effectively despite fielding a depleted squad that featured 20-year-old debutant Diawara in defense. Milan turns its attention to a midweek Serie A fixture against Bologna before preparing for the upcoming Derby against Inter in six days.
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