Milan ease past Frosinone to close gap on leaders Juve
Goals either side of half-time from Luka Jovic and Christian Pulisic, and Fikayo Tomori's close-range finish in the 74th minute gave injury-hit Milan the three points to relieve some pressure after being beaten by Borussia Dortmund midweek. Milan are unlikely to reach the last 16 of Europe's top competition following Tuesday's loss but are in decent shape at home despite wobbly form and nine first-team absences.
Key attackers Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leao were among those unavailable, while the situation in defence was so desperate that France full-back Theo Hernandez played alongside Tomori in the centre of Milan's defence. "It was also his idea. He told me that if needed, he can play that position," said coach Stefano Pioli to Sky.
Milan are third, trailing Juve and three points behind second-placed Inter Milan, who will reclaim the summit in Italy's top flight as long as they don't lose at fourth-placed Napoli in Sunday's big match.
"It's a little step forward, but there is a long way to go and we need to be more consistent if we're going to challenge for the top spots," added Pioli. "The sooner we can get players back, the more options we'll have, meaning we can rotate more or turn to the bench to change things when needed."
Under-fire Pioli was boosted both by the return of Algeria midfielder Ismael Bennacer and Jovic scoring his first goal for Milan since arriving in the summer, the Serbian lashing the hosts ahead in the 43rd minute just after Marvin Cuni wasted a glorious chance to give Frosinone the lead.
Pulisic doubled Milan's lead four minutes after the break with a sumptuous piece of play, brilliantly controlling goalkeeper Mike Maignan's boot upfield before carefully dinking home his fifth goal of the season.
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