“Not a lucky charm”- Fans hold Novak Djokovic responsible for AC Milan’s 2-0 loss against Inter Milan in UCL semifinal
Inter have a two goal cushion going into the second half.
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Nikola Djokovic did not look too happy as AC Milan go down 2-0 going in to the first half. (credit: Twitter)
Novak Djokovic returns to play this week in the Masters 1000 in Rome, but before his debut in the Italian tournament, he traveled to Milan to watch the Champions League. The Serb was present at the iconic Giuseppe Meazza in the San Siro neighborhood to watch the first leg match between Milan and Inter for the Champions League semifinals. Djokovic is a renowned Milan fan and friend of Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic, currently contracted to Milan. However, the match ended in despair for Djokovic and Milan supporters as they were soundly beaten by their city rivals.
Novak Djokovic on football: “I’m a big fan of Milan and I’ll always be. For me, football is second only to tennis. My father was a professional footballer and at home, we always watch the Rossoneri’s games with great interest.” However, Inter Milan went 2-0 up in the first half of the UCL semifinals of the Milan Derby in the first leg. Edin Dzeko scored a brilliant corner from a cross delivered by Hakan Calhanoglu. It was a beautiful volley with his left boot right into the top corner and Inter have an early advantage.
Inter scored again for the second time with Henrikh Mkhitaryan on the score sheet within 11 minutes. Inter played some beautiful football with the sea of AC Milan’s defense seemed to part for him as he ran through the middle of the pitch and finished neatly past Maignan. Calhanoglu then launched a ferocious shot that clipped the post and then fell for the Armenian goalscorer who couldn’t convert. Inter looked like the more dominating force in this match.
Bennacer goes off injured with Junior Messias on in his place within 20 minutes of the game, as things continue to go downhill for the team wearing red and black. Inter is making use of Milan’s lack of pace without Rafael Leao. Calabria had the Rossoneris’ first shot which was side netted. An assumed penalty was called off after VAR was checked in which Lautaro Martinez dived.
In the second half, AC Milan came out of their initial daze and took control of the game. Milan improved their grip in the midfield however, their attack was often drowned out due to an overcrowded Inter backline. Leao’s pace was heavily missed during this period of time.
Here is how fans reacted after Djokovic attended the match and Edin Dzeko and Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s strikes gave the Nerrazuris a two-goal cushion
The Rossoneri have barely laid a glove on Inter in this contest, and are currently being out-shot at a rate of 11 to one. If Inter had been slightly more accurate this semi-final would be over already. However, later on, Inter looked more aggressive with fouls coming in from Denzel Dumfries and Mkhitaryan. Rade Krunic received a yellow as Milan look increasingly frustrated in the match barely having any chances.
Later on, Milan looked more lively making chances in the attacking third but couldn’t convert. Stefano Pioli has to make big decisions in the case of Leao and other changes if they are to have any possible outcomes. They will hope for a better performance owing to the second half and second leg.
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