AC Milan edged past Pisa with a 2-1 victory at the Arena Garibaldi, thanks to a late goal from Luka Modric in the 85th minute. The Serie A encounter, held on February 13, 2026, saw Ruben Loftus-Cheek open the scoring in the 39th minute, setting the tone for a hard-fought match.
A Tale of Two Halves
The first half was marked by AC Milan's control over possession, maintaining 66% of the ball and creating key chances. Loftus-Cheek capitalized on one such opportunity, finding the net with an assist from Z. Athekame. Pisa struggled to break through Milan’s defense, managing just two shots on goal throughout the match.
Drama Unfolds in the Second Half
Substitutions and tactical shifts defined the second half as Pisa sought to level the playing field. F. Loyola's 71st-minute equalizer, a result of a swift counter-attack, ignited hopes for the home side. However, Modric's strike eight minutes from time, following a precise setup by S. Ricci, ensured Milan reclaimed the lead. The match took another twist with A. Rabiot's late red card, signaling a tense finish.
Statistics Reveal a Complex Battle
Despite identical shot counts of seven each, Milan's accuracy distinguished them, aided by their superior passing precision at 90%. Pisa, however, was limited to counter-attacking chances, reflected in their lower ball possession. The game’s intensity was underlined by a total of 23 fouls, with Milan drawing three yellow cards.
Looking Ahead
AC Milan continues their impressive Serie A form, eyeing a top finish with sustained momentum. Meanwhile, Pisa, despite the setback, showed resilience and will aim to improve their standing. As the season progresses, both teams will look to key performers like Modric and Loyola to drive their campaigns forward.
