Luka Modric netted a dramatic late winner as AC Milan edged Pisa 2-1 on Friday, trimming Serie A leader Inter Milan’s advantage to just five points.
The game saw Milan struggle for rhythm against a lowly Pisa side that had managed only one league win all season.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek opened the scoring just before halftime, rising unmarked to head in a precise cross from the right. Milan’s dominance grew after Niclas Füllkrug missed a penalty early in the second half, but Pisa refused to lie down.
Felipe Loyola struck back with 20 minutes remaining, keeping Milan’s title ambitions under pressure.
Modric, the former Tottenham and Real Madrid playmaker, came to the rescue in the 84th minute, cleverly poking the ball into the net to seal the win.
Milan’s celebration was tempered when Adrien Rabiot received a red card in the dying moments, but the three points were secured.
Christian Pulisic, the United States international, returned from injury to make a substitute appearance in the 77th minute after missing Milan’s 3-0 triumph over Bologna ten days earlier.
With Pisa now level on points with Verona and Fiorentina just three ahead, the league race tightens as Milan prepares for the city showdown at San Siro against Inter on March 8.
