Sassuolo 3-3 AC Milan: Noah Okafor scores late to rescue point but ...
Inter Milan are one step closer to their first Serie A title in three years after relegation-threatened Sassuolo held their nearest rivals AC Milan to an incredibly entertaining 3-3 draw at the Mapei Stadium.
AC Milan had to come from behind twice but couldn't find a winner in the final minutes in a result that leaves their arch-rivals closer to another title. It was clear that Milan were struggling to come to terms with the high temperature in the stadium but after a chaotic first 10 minutes - where they conceded twice - they belatedly settled.
Substitute Noah Okafor rescued a late point for the visitors, whose focus now shifts to their UEFA Europa League second leg clash against Roma on Thursday night in what is now clearly looking like their final chance of silverware this season.
Having gone two goals clear inside the first 10 minutes through Andrea Pinamonti and Armand Lauriente, and seen some heroics from veteran keeper Andrea Consigli, Sassuolo can count themselves unlucky not to have won the game. The result leaves them in the relegation zone, one point from 17th-placed Hellas Verona.
Talking Point – Inter Milan getting closer to first Serie A title in three years after rivals slip up
This draw piles more pressure on Stefano Pioli following a first leg defeat to Roma in midweek and now a surprising draw against Sassuolo. If results play out in a certain way, Inter Milan have a chance to win the title next weekend against their arch-rivals in the eagerly anticipated Milan derby, a game you can watch on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Player of the Match - Armand Lauriente (Sassuolo)
With explosive pace and superb finishing, Armand Lauriente deserves all the plaudits he receives after today's game. Scoring a brace displayed his ability to finish expertly in high-octane games and that he is one of the most important players on the Sassuolo team. This is good news for Sassuolo who need him firing on all cylinders if they are to avoid relegation going into the final games of the season.
Player Ratings
Sassuolo: Consigli 8; Toljan 3, Erlic 6, Ferrari 7, Viti 6, Boloca 5, Obiang 7, Thorstvedt 6, Volpato 6, Pinamonti 7, Lauriente 8
AC Milan: Sportiello 5, Hernandez 6, Thiaw 5, Kjaer 5, Florenzi 6, Adli 5, Musah 7, Chukwueze 6, Loftus-Cheek 6, Leao 7, Jovic 6
Match Highlights
4' GOAL! Sassuolo 1 - 0 AC Milan (Pinamonti): Fast start from the hosts who shock the visitors with an early well taken goal from Pinamonti.
10' GOAL! Sassuolo 2-0 AC Milan (Lauriente): Lauriente finishes superbly to double the relegation battling sides lead and send AC into more misery.
20' GOAL! Sassuolo 2-0 AC Milan (Leao): The visitors get a goal back through Raphael Leao. The main man gets onto the score-sheet as he calmly slots home to start the comeback
53' GOAL! Sassuolo 3-1 AC Milan (Lauriente): Lauriente doubles his account and sends the home fans wild as Sassuolo re-establish their two goal lead.
58' GOAL! Sassuolo 3-2 AC Milan (Jovic): Jovic gets his first of the game and reignites AC Milan's hopes of not letting their rivals Inter win the title in their game later today
84' GOAL: Sassuolo 3-3 AC Milan (Okafor): Seconds after coming on, Okafor equalises for AC Milan and rescues a point for the Italian giants.
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