AC Milan falter against Lazio while Como targets Champions League spot
AC Milan squandered an opportunity to ramp up the pressure on city rivals Inter in the Serie A title race following a 1-0 loss to Lazio on Sunday, while Como secured a 2-1 victory over 10-man Roma to boost their unexpected bid for Champions League qualification.
With a potential chance to reduce Inter's lead to five points, Milan faltered and suffered their second loss in four games.
Gustav Isaksen's composed strike in the middle of the second half enabled Inter to extend their advantage over Milan to eight points, despite their 1-1 draw against Atalanta on Saturday.
This result provided significant relief for Inter, who, with nine fixtures remaining, are still strong contenders to wrest the Scudetto back from Napoli.
Massimiliano Allegri has consistently emphasised that Milan's primary aim this season is to secure a Champions League place, and they remain well positioned to achieve it.
Milan hold a seven-point lead over fifth-placed Juventus, but they started sluggishly at a vibrant Stadio Olimpico, where Lazio's passionate fans made their return after boycotting matches in protest against the club's management under longstanding president Claudio Lotito.
Dutch forward Kenneth Taylor struck the crossbar with a powerful effort as Lazio controlled the first half, before Milan gained possession after the interval without truly challenging inexperienced keeper Edoardo Motta.
Maurizio Sarri received a red card in a heated conclusion as the Lazio manager vented frustration at the referee over the duration of added time, with his side clinging to their lead.
Como's push for Champions League
Down at halftime due to Donyell Malen's early spot-kick, Como demonstrated their disruptive influence in Serie A by rallying to defeat a direct competitor for the last European spot.
Cesc Fabregas's compact yet affluent side sit fourth, one point clear of Juventus, courtesy of Tasos Douvikas's firm shot in the 59th minute and Diego Carlos, who had conceded Roma's penalty, bundling in the decisive goal before jubilant supporters 20 minutes from time.
"I am delighted with the hunger and mindset displayed by the squad," Fabregas remarked.
"We are a youthful group and have much to improve... we must avoid complacency after this success."
In the period between Como's strikes, Roma's Wesley was dismissed for two cautions as the visitors struggled to cope with intense pressure from the lakeside outfit in the latter stages.
Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini was furious with official Davide Massa's call to issue Wesley a second yellow, as the Brazilian made minimal contact with Assane Diao, who went down dramatically while advancing on goal.
"It was insignificant, the footage shows he barely does anything," Gasperini stated to Sky.
"This is not the first instance where Como benefit from such calls, they seem to seek them out, perhaps excessively in my view.
"Yet that is the state of modern football."
Como have no prior experience in European competitions amid their eventful past, which prior to the 2019 takeover by tobacco conglomerate Djarum, was marked by financial collapses rather than triumphs.
Roma, occupying sixth position, have not reached the Champions League since 2018 and lag three points behind Como with nine games still to play.