AC Milan Rejoins Title Race Following Tense Victory Against Torino

The away side kicked off the game with real energy, unleashing a series of attacks during the initial fifteen minutes. This featured a close-range header from Ardian Ismajli, which Milan skipper Mike Maignan skilfully pushed over the crossbar.

Nevertheless, following a tentative opening to the match, the home team abruptly sprang into life as the break neared.

At the 36-minute stage, Adrien Rabiot unleashed a sharp effort that compelled Torino keeper Alberto Paleari to make his debut save.

Paleari stood no chance against Milan's subsequent attempt mere seconds later, however, with Strahinja Pavlovic's exquisite 25-yard shot ricocheting off the bar's underside to give the Rossoneri a narrow advantage.

Credit to Torino, they refused to dwell on the setback and promptly hunted for a leveller. Soon after Pavlovic's potential goal of the season, Duvan Zapata got into a promising spot, yet Maignan blocked his effort from near range to maintain the lead. The visitors maintained their momentum and rightfully equalised right on half-time.

Nikola Vlasic's 20-yard strike was parried onto the post by Maignan, and the ball then bounced back off the French keeper into Giovanni Simeone's path, allowing him to slot home the rebound for his eighth league goal this term.

Massimiliano Allegri's interval address appeared highly motivating, since the home outfit emerged aggressively from the dressing room.

Milan restored their lead at the 54-minute mark via Rabiot, who connected with Christian Pulisic's low cross to finish from six yards out. Things quickly deteriorated further for the away team.

In the immediate follow-up play, poor marking by Torino let Youssouf Fofana shoot at goal, and although Paleari got a touch, it failed to stop the Rossoneri from increasing their lead.

Roberto D'Aversa's squad persisted relentlessly and nearly pulled one back in the second half's middle phase, only for Maignan to produce a superb reaction stop to deny Simeone a brace.

Tension peaked with ten minutes of regular time left, as VAR prompted a penalty award for Torino after Pavlovic was ruled to have tripped Simeone in the box.

Vlasic converted from the spot confidently into the top corner, sparking a thrilling finish. Still, despite their late push for a draw, Milan clung on for the vital three points.

Milan now sit second in Serie A and will aim for consecutive wins post-internationals when they face third-placed SSC Napoli on the road. Torino hold 14th position, remaining six points above the drop zone.