Super Eagles hopeful denied record night as AC Milan beat Pisa in tight Serie A clash

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Super Eagles hopeful denied record night as AC Milan beat Pisa in tight Serie A clash
Rafiu Adekunle Durosinmi. Copyright: IMAGO/IPAxSportx/

Nigerian forward Rafiu Durosinmi came close to writing his name into the Serie A history books on Friday night, but the moment slipped away as AC Milan secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Pisa, Afrik-Foot reports.

Before kick-off at the Stadio Romeo Anconetani, Durosinmi knew one goal or assist would put him alongside former Milan striker Olivier Giroud as the players to be involved in a goal in each of their first three home matches in Serie A.

The 23-year-old had started brightly since joining Pisa in January, scoring once on his home debut against Atalanta and setting up another goal in his second home game versus Sassuolo. That meant he had played a role in two of Pisa’s three home goals this season, a strong return for a newcomer.


But against the visitors from Milan, chances were hard to come by.

Durosinmi began the match on the bench, alongside fellow Nigerian Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, as Pisa struggled to keep pace with one of Italy’s top sides.

Milan took the lead in the first half through Ruben Loftus-Cheek, putting the pressure firmly on the home team. Pisa responded well after the break and drew level when Felipe Loyola found the net, lifting the crowd and giving hope of a famous result.

Pisa fight back but late Milan goal breaks their hearts

Just as Pisa looked settled, Milan struck again late in the game to restore their lead and eventually seal all three points.

By the time Durosinmi was brought on in the 90th minute to replace Loyola, there was little time left to change the outcome.

Nigeria and Pisa star Rafiu Durosinmi
Rafiu Durosinmi. Copyright: IMAGOxIPAxSport/ABACAx

After the match, Pisa coach Oscar Hiljemark pointed to small errors as the difference between the two sides.

“We were let down in two situations,” Hiljemark said as per Calcio Pisa.

“We have to be careful with the little things. We made three mistakes: a penalty and two goals. That makes you lose against Milan. We struggled a bit in the first half.

“But defensively, I’m very happy. After the 1-1 draw, the game was positive. The goal we conceded, however, hurts.”

He also spoke about his team’s development, adding:

Pisa's Ebenezer Akinsanmiro Vs AC Milan
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro. Copyright: IMAGOxGabrielexMasotti/IPAxSportx/

“We’re improving our approach to the game, we need to improve our rhythm. We need to work constantly. We have the quality to play, and we need to improve that. We can’t let our opponents have the ball all the time, otherwise it’ll be tough. We need to improve in this area.”

Despite missing out on the record, Durosinmi now has one goal and one assist from five league matches, a promising start in Italy’s top flight.

Akinsanmiro, on loan from Inter Milan, has made 14 appearances this season and provided one assist.

The win pushed Milan up to second place in the Serie A, five points behind Inter, while Pisa remain bottom of the table with just 15 points from 24 games.

Next up, Pisa travel to face Fiorentina on February 23, knowing every point now is vital in their fight to stay in the division.

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Imhonlamhen

Sports Writer

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