Ten-man AC Milan hold on to edge past Udinese

AC Milan overcame playing with 10 men for over an hour to secure a 1-0 victory against Udinese on Saturday, a dramatic win that moved the seven-time European champions to within two points of Serie A leaders Napoli.

Paulo Fonseca’s side are third, level on 14 points with second-placed Inter Milan, after surviving two offside scares — including one deep into stoppage time — to claim a hard-fought win at the San Siro.

Samuel Chukwueze’s 13th-minute strike looked set to lead to a comfortable win but ended up being the decisive goal as Milan held on for the points.

Their task was made more difficult when Tijjani Reijnders was sent off in the 29th minute for a clumsy foul on Sandi Lovric, who would have been clean through on goal had the Dutch midfielder not clipped his heels.

Tammy Abraham should have sealed the points for Milan with 15 minutes remaining, but moments after replacing Alvaro Morata, he managed to both fluff a golden chance on the rebound and injure his shoulder at the same time.

The hosts appeared to have been caught out when Christian Kabasele bundled the ball home for Udinese in the fifth minute of stoppage time. However, a huge roar rang around the stadium when, after a lengthy VAR check, the goal was ruled out due to Jurgen Ekkelenkamp’s toes being offside.

Milan’s victory came in front of a subdued San Siro following the decision by Milan’s hardcore “ultras” supporters to remain silent for most of the match in protest against what they claim is a campaign by law enforcement and the Italian media targeting them.

Leading ultras from both Milan and local rivals Inter — who play Roma on Sunday night — were arrested last month and are accused of various crimes ranging from criminal conspiracy and extortion to assault.

Earlier this week, Milan’s ultras groups denied allegations by investigators of any involvement in ticket touting, control of parking, and sales from concession stands near the San Siro.

Meanwhile, police banned the ultras’ large “Curva Sud Milano” banner from being displayed in their section, leading to supporters across the stadium — not just the ultras — leaving their own banners and flags at home.

Instead, fans in the Curva Sud held up a banner in support of their arrested allies, which loosely translated to “Stay strong, boys.”

Later, Juventus can move level with Napoli with a win over in-form Lazio, although Thiago Motta’s side have been hit by a series of injuries.