AC Milan has rekindled their hopes of a European spot this season with a second victory in succession against Palermo on Sunday morning at the Stadio Renzo Barbera.
A first Rossoneri goal for summer signing Alessio Cerci was cancelled out by in demand Palermo striker Paulo Dybala just under 20 minutes from time before a fine solo goal from Jeremy Menez secured a crucial victory for Pippo Inzaghi’s men.
The result sees the Red and Black move within six points of fifth placed Sampdoria who occupy the final European qualification spot with nine matches to play.
The first-half got off to a blistering start as both sides created chances but it was Milan who went into the break ahead thanks to a moment of fortune for Cerci.
The former Atletico winger had been causing problems for much of the first period and he got on the end of a rebound off the Palermo goalkeeper to bundle the ball over the line for the visitors. The Aquile hit back though in the 72nd minute from the penalty spot as Dybala stepped up to slot past Diego Lopez after Phillippe Mexes had given away the spot kick.
Milan were not to be denied victory though, as Menez broke through two defenders before smashing the ball into the top corner to give his side a vital three points.
Cerci on form
It has been a difficult first few months at his new home for Cerci with the former Torino winger having seen limited time on the pitch since his January arrival. The match on the weekend though reminded many of the player of old, who (along with Immobile), almost single handily carried Torino to a European spot last season.
His goal aside, the Azzuri international was a constant menace for the Palermo defence with his pace and ability to beat a man creating a number of chances for his side.
Inzaghi will be hoping to see more of this from his summer signing if the Rossoneri are to truly challenge for a continental placing.
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Menez to the rescue yet again
It seems like every week Milan get themselves into a struggle and almost every week it is Menez who seems to pop up and get his side out of it.
The Frenchman took his winning goal brilliantly, beating two players before slotting home with a world class finish to seal the points for his side.
Menez’ heroics are even more important to his side at the moment with Destro still struggling to assert himself as a week-to-week goal scorer.
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Palermo dominant in possession but lacking cutting edge
It was most certainly not all negative for the hosts who on the balance of the game deserved at least a draw but a failure to create clear opportunities was the difference between winning and losing.
Of the 16 shots Palermo had on goal, only three of those managed to hit the target which is a worrying sign for Giuseppe Iachini’s men.
Dybala was a constant threat up front, weaving in and out of defenders and generally causing a nuisance of himself before calmly slotting his spot kick past Lopez.
With rumours that the Argentine is set to leave at the end of the season, it will be a massive task to replace the winger who has been crucial to Palermo’s success this campaign.
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