AC Milan 2 - 1 Crotone: Gianluca Lapadula saves AC Milan against Crotone

Posted Sunday, December 04, 2016 by PA

Gianluca Lapadula's 86th-minute winner spared AC Milan's blushes as they came from a goal down to secure a 2-1 home victory over struggling Crotone in Serie A's early kick-off on Sunday.

Diego Falcinelli had given the visitors a shock 26th-minute lead and, although Mario Pasalic levelled four minutes before half-time, the top-flight debutants looked set to pick up a point after goalkeeper Alex Cordaz brilliantly saved M'Baye Niang's penalty.

But Lapadula had other ideas and swept home his first San Siro goal four minutes from time to get Vincenzo Montella's side over the line.

Kick-off was slightly delayed due to the promoted team turning up in the wrong-coloured socks, but when proceedings did get under way it was not long until the home fans were silenced.

Falcinelli slotted home a neat left-footed finish after being set up by Marcus Rohden, giving Crotone hope of only their second league win of the campaign.

The equaliser arrived shortly before the break, though, when Pasalic - on loan from Chelsea - was left all alone in the middle of the six-yard box and made no mistake with his header after Gabriel Paletta had flicked on a corner.

Lapadula had a glorious chance to put the hosts ahead in the opening moments of the second half, but the ball ricocheted off his knee and then hand as he contrived to miss from barely a yard out with the goal gaping.

He looked to have made amends shortly afterwards by earning a penalty, which was dubiously awarded when he went down under a challenge from Lorenzo Crisetig, and wanted to take the spot-kick himself. But Niang wrestled the ball off him, only to see his effort tipped away by Crotone goalkeeper Cordaz.

However, with the clock ticking down, Lapadula did have the final say, turning home a low effort from around the penalty spot to spark wild celebrations of joy and relief. He was booked, but hardly cared.