Isaksen strike hands Lazio huge win to put huge dent in Milan's Serie A title hopes

Gustav Isaksen’s first-half strike earned struggling Lazio a momentous win at a crackling Stadio Olimpico to put a huge dent in any lingering hopes of AC Milan mounting a Serie A title challenge.

The Rossoneri headed to Rome on a high after beating their rivals Inter last weekend to cut the deficit between them to seven points, and knew they would make that five points with victory here after the league leaders were held by Atalanta on Saturday.

However, a fired-up Biancocelesti produced one of their best performances of the season as their fans paused an ongoing stadium boycott - in protest against owner Claudio Lotito - for one night only to roar them on to a second win in a row for the first time this season.

Pervis Estupinan headed just wide and Kenneth Taylor thundered a shot off the bar in a lively start, before the decisive moment came in the 26th minute when Isaksen scampered after a long ball down the right wing, holding off Estupinan before finishing calmly.

It was a deserved lead for the fired-up hosts, who spurned another big chance when Daniel Maldini’s tame finish was easily saved by Mike Maignan when one-on-one with the keeper late in the first half.

Milan responded after the break with concerted pressure in the Lazio half, with young goalkeeper Edoardo Motta making a fine diving save to deny Christian Pulisic and substitute Zachary Athekame having a leveller ruled out for handball.

Rossoneri coach Massimiliano Allegri emptied his bench in search of an equaliser as Christopher Nkunku and Niclas Fullkrug were introduced, but they could not find a way through the Lazio backline despite a series of corners and keeping the hosts pegged back for long spells.

The result leaves Milan eight points behind leaders Inter with nine games to go, while Napoli are breathing down their necks one point behind in third. Lazio moved up to ninth but remain a distant 11 points outside the European spots.

We mentioned him earlier, but what a performance from the Lazio centre-back tonight. He was the star of a strong defensive showing.

There is life in Sarri's team yet, even if their form thus far has left them needing a miracle to qualify for Europe through the league.

They are now ninth, two points behind Bologna but a distant 11 points from the top six.

The whistle blows and what a huge win for Lazio! Milan miss the chance to narrow the gap to Inter and that could well be the end of any lingering title hopes.

A bit of a melee down there on the touchline as the Lazio coach is sent off!

The young keeper has stood up tall in this second half, and calmly saves a Ricci volley. That should be it surely?

The midfielder goes for the Hollywood finish, but his long-ranger is well wide. Pedro booked in the meantime...

But Lazio hack it clear! Like a boomerang, the ball keeps coming back. But they get some breathing space when Gila - who has been superb tonight - wins a free-kick on halfway.

Another corner...

Six more minutes - that news gets a groan from the Olimpico crowd!

On comes Belahyane. The Dutchman gets a big reception from the home fans, he has emptied himself out there.

De Winter has a shot blocked. Milan are camped in the Lazio half now. They have less than five minutes plus added time to find a way back into this game, but Sarri's men are holding firm for now...

How is he still going at that speed? Tavares comes tearing down the left wing yet again and puts a delicious inviting ball across the six-yard box but Dia isn't close enough to make any contact.

Ricci replaces Saelemaekers.

Lazio now have an all-new front three.

Clumsy, and a bit tired, from Tavares as he swipes at the ball and takes out Saelemaekers. Yellow card, and a decent free-kick position on the right wing for Milan.

Motta gets a glove on the delivery, but Milan keep coming, and Modric fires a shot over the bar with the keeper stretching!

Gila blocks an Nkunku shot from a tight angle. Another Milan corner. Cross is worked in, headed out. Another Milan corner...

Dia heads it clear, then heads Modric's cross clear. Lazio are under immense pressure here.