AC Milan reduced the gap to the top of Serie A to five points after a 2-1 victory over SC Pisa at the Arena Garibaldi, extending their unbeaten league run to 23 matches. The result keeps the Rossoneri firmly in contention behind leaders Inter Milan.
The contest began at a subdued tempo, with clear chances limited during the opening half hour. Pisa, who are battling near the foot of the table, produced the first meaningful opportunity when Filip Stojilkovic broke through, only for goalkeeper Mike Maignan to intervene with a decisive block.
Milan responded before the interval. In the 39th minute, Ruben Loftus-Cheek rose unmarked to head in from close range after a precise delivery from Zachary Athekame on the right flank, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead at half time.
The second half brought greater intensity. Adrien Rabiot found the net shortly after the restart, but the goal was disallowed following a handball in the build up by Niclas Füllkrug. Milan continued to apply pressure and were awarded a penalty when Felipe Loyola fouled Strahinja Pavlović inside the area. Füllkrug stepped up but struck the post, leaving the visitors without a second goal.
Despite limited attacking output this season, Pisa drew level in the 71st minute. Loyola scored from 15 yards with a curling effort into the bottom corner, setting up a tense final phase.
Milan pressed for a decisive goal and came close when Füllkrug guided a close range effort narrowly wide after being set up by Samuele Ricci. The breakthrough arrived late on as Luka Modrić finished calmly past goalkeeper Nícolas to restore the advantage.
Rabiot was later dismissed after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession, reducing Milan to ten men, but the visitors managed the closing stages to secure all three points.
The result leaves Milan second in Serie A, four points clear of SSC Napoli in third place. Pisa remain six points from safety and have now gone 14 league matches without a win.
