MILAN (AP) — AC Milan shifted gears in the second half to beat Torino 3-2 on Saturday, closing the gap on Serie A leaders Inter Milan to six points.
After a sluggish first period, Milan scored two goals in just a few minutes to secure a victory over Turin.
Milan dropped to second place, one point ahead of Napoli. 1-0 victory over Cagliari on friday. Inter visit Fiorentina on sunday.
Torino had the upper hand in the first half, but Milan took the lead in the 37th minute with a stunning goal from defender Strahinja Pavlovic.
The cross was cleared about 25 meters out, Pavlovic took a touch and then looped up a ridiculous half-volley that fell just between the bar and the outstretched hand of Alberto Pareari.
Giovanni Simeone equalized just before half-time, prompting jeers from the home fans. But what coach Massimiliano Allegri told his players during the break worked because Milan were a different team.
Adrien Rabiot restored Milan’s lead in the 54th minute when he met Christian Pulisic’s cross with his knee, and Yussuf Fofana further extended the Rossoneri’s advantage two minutes later.
It was a nervy finale at San Siro as Nikola Vlasic grabbed a goal from the penalty spot after Pavlovic was adjudged to have dragged Simeone down.
First victory in months
Marco Giampaolo made a dream debut for Cremona by leading his new team to a 2-0 victory over Parma.
It was Cremonese’s first win since early December, moving the relegation-threatened side into a tie with 17th-placed Lecce, who play Roma on Sunday.
Giampaolo replaces Davide Nicola who was fired on wednesday.
Parma remained mid-table, just seven points above the relegation zone.
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