Lazio 0-1 AC Milan: Noah Okafor bags late winner for Rossoneri as hosts see three players receive red cards
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Updated 01/03/2024 at 22:33 GMT
Noah Okafor grabbed a late goal as AC Milan claimed a vital 1-0 victory over Lazio in Serie A on Friday night. Lazio were reduced to 10 men after Luca Pellegrini was sent off following a second bookable offence. The hosts looked like they would hold on but Okafor scored the winner just before 90 minutes. Matteo Guendouzi and Adam Marusic were sent off late on as Lazio finished with eight players.
‘By hook or by crook!’ - Okafor nets dramatic late winner for Milan at Lazio
Noah Okafor’s late winner earned AC Milan a 1-0 victory against a Lazio side that incredibly finished a heated game with eight men.
A fiery encounter short on big chances in the opening hour sparked into life when Luca Pellegrini was shown a second yellow midway through the second half.
Both sides had big opportunities and Rafael Leao had a strike ruled out for offside before Okafor’s scrappy strike made the breakthrough in the 88th minute.
Lazio then lost two more players in stoppage time as Adam Marusic and Matteo Guendouzi were shown straight red cards by referee Marco Di Bello, leading to a spicy conclusion as the two squads came together as the full-time whistle blew.
The result ended Milan’s three-match winless run and sent them one point behind Juventus in third, while Lazio are ninth after suffering a third defeat in four games.
Talking Point – Lazio livid after seeing red three times
The boos that poured down from the Stadio Olimpico stands at full-time were deafening, and many were aimed at referee Di Bello after a night where little went the home side’s way.
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‘Huge turning point’ as Pellegrini sent off for Lazio against Milan
It’s rare to see three red cards dished out in a match and the hosts will take issue with all three in what is certain to be a big discussion point in the days and weeks ahead.
What’s more, it further depletes an already stretched squad as Pellegrini, Marusic and Guendouzi will now be suspended for the visit of Udinese next Monday.
Player of the Match – Theo Hernandez (AC Milan)
On a night where few individuals stood out, the Frenchman perhaps deserves the nod for his contributions in both phases.
Player Ratings
Lazio: Provedel 7; Marusic 5, Gila 6, Romagnoli 6, Pellegrini 4; Guendouzi 6, Vecino 6, Alberto 7; Anderson 6, Castellanos 5, Zaccagni 7. Subs: Hysaj 6, Immobile 5, Isaksen 6, Cataldi 6
AC Milan: Maignan 6; Florenzi 6, Kjaer 6, Gabbia 6, Hernandez 7; Adli 6, Bennacer 7; Pulisic 7, Loftus-Cheek 7, Leao 6; Giroud 6. Subs: Calabria 6, Reijnders 6, Okafor 7, Tomori 6, Thiaw 6
Match Highlights
57’ PELLEGRINI SENT OFF!
That was needless from the Lazio man, who has just been booked but hauls Pulisic down by his shoulders. All hell breaks loose at the two sets of players come together in a melee.
76 GOAL DISALLOWED!
Milan think they've made the breakthrough with Leao as his shot from a tight angle on the left is deflected in, but it's ruled out for offside!
88’ GOAL! LAZIO 0-1 MILAN (OKAFOR)
They've done it! Okafor eventually digs in the finish after Provedel makes the save and Gila makes the block. Provedel almost saves Okafor's effort too, but it squirms in and Milan have a late lead!
93’ MARUSIC SENT OFF!
Lazio down to nine!
95’ GUENDOUZI SENT OFF
When did this last happen? Lazio are left with eight players on the field. Bedlam!
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‘This is getting out of hand!’ - Marusic and Guendouzi sent off in chaotic finish
Key Stats
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