Strahinja Pavlovic and Youssouf Fofana were both in good spirits after Milan’s hard-fought victory over Torino at San Siro, with the Serbian defender playing down his stunning opener and the French midfielder offering an entertaining explanation for his goal celebration.
Pavlovic, whose thunderous first-half strike set Milan on their way, was typically modest in his assessment.
“It was a great goal but also a lucky goal,” he said with a smile, via MilanNews.
His afternoon was not without frustration, however, the defender was also penalised for a penalty he claimed not to have seen. “I didn’t see it, I don’t know what to say. The goal is luck, the penalty is bad luck.”
Despite his self-deprecating take, he was generous in sharing the plaudits, singling out Fofana for special praise. “Today everything was done, great goal and a penalty. Fofana deserves the MVP award.”
ITALY – MARCH 21: Strahinja Pavlovic celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Milan 3-2 Torino – Fofana explains his goal celebration
The Frenchman himself was characteristically candid about Milan’s first-half struggles, revealing that a sharp dressing room conversation at the break helped spark the turnaround.
“After the first half we understood that we had not been truly aggressive in the attacking phase,” Fofana said, with quotes again courtesy of MilanNews. “So we came back out with more desire and scored two goals.”
On his celebration, Fofana was entertainingly vague.
“It was a mix between Rafa and Pulisic, I dedicated it to them, well not exactly dedicated, but maybe I will score more goals,” he laughed.
The midfielder also could not resist a gentle dig at his teammate, revealing that Pavlovic’s spectacular strike was perhaps less surprising than it looked. “He shoots everywhere at the start of training,” Fofana said.
Massimiliano Allegri could barely contain his emotion after Milan edged a 3-2 victory over Torino, a result that keeps the Rossoneri firmly in the hunt for Inter’s lead at the top of Serie A.
The win was all the more significant given defeats against Parma and Lazio in the past month had briefly threatened to derail Milan’s title challenge at a critical stage of the season.
Allegri was so wound up during the match that he was caught telling referee Doveri he would quit football, a comment he addressed with characteristic humour in his post-match interview, with quotes via MilanNews.
“It was the heat of the moment,” he laughed. “I am getting on in years and I would not want my heart to give out. The match was very important for us at that point.”
The first half was not straightforward, with Torino presenting real problems in the first 30 minutes.
“We were forcing play inside the field too much and conceding too many counter-attacks,” Allegri admitted. “In the second half the players grew physically too, which was not easy after the equaliser at the end of the first half.”
Tactically, Allegri shed light on Alexis Saelemaekers’ demanding role in his 4-3-3.
“He is our balance player, when we defend he must be the fifth, when we attack he must be the third forward. Sometimes he arrives at the end of games a little spent.” The introduction of Pulisic wide helped open up a Torino side with a compact central block.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Strahinja Pavlovic of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Milan 3-2 Torino – Allegri defends Fullkrug and gives Pavlovic his flowers
Niklas Fullkrug was another subject of analysis, with Allegri defending the German striker while pointing to a broader truth about players who lack consistent minutes.
“It is not easy when you do not have continuity, the physical structure suffers,” he said. “He had a difficult first half but a much better second. Compare that to Ricci, who because of his physicality and mentality can come on at any point and immediately be in match mode. Players are different.”
The head coach was clear that Fullkrug’s second-half improvement was the kind of response he needed.
On Strahinja Pavlovic’s performance, capped off with a spectacular goal from range, Allegri was full of praise.
“He played a great match tonight, he has improved a lot,” he said. “He has character, soul, he defended well in open play. He is growing significantly and I am delighted.”
With the international break now arriving, Allegri took the opportunity for a light-hearted dig at his forwards.
“This week I ask nothing of anyone, the break is the only thing I asked them not to ruin for me. But the attackers will return to scoring in the decisive moments after the pause.”
Next up after the break is a trip to Napoli, second versus third, a match Allegri described simply as “a beautiful evening of football and sport.”
Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez made his first appearance for Milan since October, when he came on as a 70th minute substitute for Niclas Fullkrug in the Rossoneri’s 3-2 win over Torino on Saturday evening.
The former Feyenoord forward underwent ankle surgery in December following a recurring issue that had been plaguing his fitness.
After the surgery was a success, Gimenez began his road to recovery and rejoined full training with his teammates this month.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 23: Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan celebrates after scoring to give the side a 1-0 lead during the Coppa Italia Frecciarossa Round of 16 match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
Milan welcome Gimenez back at crucial juncture
It is a welcome boost for both club and country, with the Rossoneri struggling up front as of late and Mexico preparing to welcome the FIFA World Cup to its shores in the Summer.
Fullkrug’s flat performance tonight will have only strengthened the Mexican’s position as he strives to play a pivotal part in the end of Milan’s season.
With the win tonight, Milan moved within five points of league leaders and fierce city rivals Inter, albeit with the Nerazzurri still to play this weekend – they travel to Fiorentina on Sunday.
Milan scored a quick fire double early into the second half to secure a 3-2 victory over Torino, temporarily closing the gap on league leaders Inter to five points ahead of the Nerazzurri’s match at Fiorentina on Sunday.
Football Italia’s Man of the Match was Rossoneri defender Strahinja Pavlovic, for his phenomenal long-range effort to put his side 1-0 up and resolute defensive performance, despite giving away a late penalty after pulling down Simeone in the box.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Youssouf Fofana of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammates during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Best Milan player: Strahinja Pavlovic – Despite giving away the late penalty, he more than made up for it with his efforts beforehand. Scored an outrageous goal from distance in the first half and worked really hard defensively to break up Torino’s attacks.
Lowest Milan rating: Niclas Fullkrug – Still yet to really settle in at Milan, the German stood in for the injured Rafael Leao tonight but did himself no favours in establishing a more permanent place in the team. Was largely very ineffective before being replaced with twenty minutes left to play.
Coach: Massimiliano Allegri 7 – Will be happy with the way his side dominated possession of the ball but will perhaps be disappointed that the chance creation is still missing something. His substitutes really helped Milan stay fresh, and Athekame even picked up an assist.
Best Torino player: Nikola Vlasic – Capped off an impressive midfield display with a late consolation goal from the penalty spot, the Croatian worked hard all evening, firing off attempts on goal, creating chances and also working hard defensively.
Lowest Torino rating: Saul Coco – Really struggled to win his individual battles on the right-hand side of the back three and his passing was also lacklustre.
Coach: Roberto D’Aversa 6 – Quite unlucky as despite their lack of possession, the visitors fashioned a number of good chances and perhaps deserved a point. Still showing signs of improvement under the coach, who seems to have no trouble in getting 100% out of his players.
Milan got back on track with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Torino, including spectacular Strahinja Pavlovic strike from distance, and Santiago Gimenez made his comeback.
The Rossoneri were feeling the pressure after going from Scudetto dream to nightmare in the space of a week, their defeat to Lazio leaving them closer to fifth place than the leaders. Rafael Leao had an adductor injury, so Niclas Fullkrug stepped in, with Santiago Gimenez on the bench for the first time since October. Davide Bartesaghi and Adrien Rabiot were also available again. Toro had two wins and a narrow defeat to Napoli since replacing Marco Baroni with Roberto D’Aversa, but missed Zakaria Aboukhlal, Alieu Njie and Zanos Savva.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Roberto D’Aversa, Head Coach of Torino, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
It was an aggressive start from the visitors, as Matteo Prati fired over from the edge of the box, then Nikola Vlasic got in front of Koni De Winter and Mike Maignan to flick on the Marcus Pedersen ball across the face of goal.
Maignan fingertipped a looping Ardian Ismajli header out from under the bar on a corner, while Christian Pulisic and Bartesaghi had efforts charged down inside the area.
Rabiot unleashed a screamer from distance that Albert Paleari flew to palm away, and it was only a warning for Milan to take the lead moments later. Saul Coco nodded a cross clear to around 25 yards, where Pavlovic took a touch, let it bounce, and smashed the left-footed half-volley in off the underside of the crossbar.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Strahinja Pavlovic of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Duvan Zapata tested Maignan at the near post moments later, and Pavlovic’s goal-line clearance on Pedersen wouldn’t have counted because Simeone was offside on the assist.
Torino did equalise on the stroke of half-time, as Maignan got down for a one-handed save on the Vlasic effort from the edge of the area, it took a double ricochet off the upright and his shoulder, until Simeone was quickest to react on the loose ball.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Giovanni Simeone of Torino celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
After the restart, Milan were much more aggressive after changing to a four-man defence. Ismajli came sliding in to charge down a Pulisic effort, and Bartesaghi’s volley was deflected wide.
The pressure eventually paid off when Christian Pulisic pulled across from the right and Rabiot was ready to bundle it over the line from point-blank range with his knee. It was his first goal scored at San Siro in the Rossoneri jersey.
Moments later they extended their advantage, as Zachary Athekame’s through ball was gathered by Fofana, who was allowed to take three touches and turn in a crowd of Torino players, firing in from 13 yards.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Youssouf Fofana of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammates during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Maignan made a sensational reaction save, sticking out a trailing leg to deny Simeone’s first-time sweep from 12 yards, then Cholito had another dangerous volley charged down for a corner.
There was a big moment, as Santiago Gimenez made his return after ankle surgery, his first appearance since the end of October 2025.
Samuele Ricci nearly scored against his former club, Alberto Paleari getting down to parry at the near post, but just before that was an incident that was spotted by VAR. Pavlovic had dragged back Simeone with an arm across his face and neck inside the penalty area, so even if he wasn’t going to reach the ball, it was a clear foul.
A penalty was awarded and converted into the top corner by Nikola Vlasic to get Torino back into the game.
The Granata had more penalty appeals for a Koni De Winter handball, but the arm was judged to be in a natural position.
Luka Modric reached yet another remarkable milestone during Milan’s clash with Torino on Saturday, making his 550th appearance in Europe’s Big 5 leagues, a figure that places him second on the all-time list among players who debuted in the top divisions from the 2008/09 season onwards.
According to OptaPaolo, only Antoine Griezmann has made more appearances in Europe’s elite leagues since that cut-off point, with the Atletico Madrid forward ahead on 555. The Croatian legend’s longevity at the very highest level is quite extraordinary.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Luka Modric of AC Milan celebrates the victory at the end of the Serie A match between AC Milan and Inter at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Milan star Modric makes 550th appearance in Europe’s Top 5 leagues
Modric began his Big 5 league journey with Tottenham Hotspur, where he made 127 Premier League appearances between 2008 and 2012, scoring 13 goals.
He then spent 13 years at Real Madrid, accumulating 394 La Liga appearances and 30 goals between 2012 and 2025 before making the move to Milan last summer.
He has now added 29 Serie A outings to that remarkable tally, with two goals to his name in what has been an impressive debut season in Italy.
Now 40 years old, Modric shows little sign of slowing down, a fact that has been noted with admiration by former teammates, opponents and observers alike.
Alessandro Nesta recently described him as “a monster of humility” who applies himself with extraordinary dedication, while Andriy Shevchenko was similarly struck by his physical condition during a recent visit to Milanello.
Max Allegri gives an important injury update on Rafael Leao and warns Milan ‘need to be on our toes’ against Torino. ‘Niclas Fullkrug has different characteristics.’
It has been a strange couple of weeks for the Rossoneri, as they went from sudden Scudetto contenders beating Inter in the Derby della Madonnina, to losing 1-0 at Lazio and finding themselves closer to fifth place than to the Serie A leaders.
Allegri forced to make Milan changes
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“It is an important match, as we are coming off a defeat, the table is closing up, and we need to be on our toes,” Allegri told DAZN Italia.
“Torino are doing very well, they are defensively strong, solid on second balls and deadly with counter-attacks, so we need focus and determination.”
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri embrace his player Rafael Leao after substitution during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Unfortunately, he felt this twinge in training yesterday, we talked with Rafa, and decided it was best not to risk it. I think Portugal removed him from their squad too for international duty, so he’ll have a couple of weeks to make a full recovery, then we can dive into the final eight games of the season.
“He needs specific work to get back to 100 per cent, Leao is in no condition to play for Portugal either.”
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri reacts during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
With Fullkrug as a centre-forward on loan from West Ham United, it is a very different interpretation of the role to Leao, and so Milan will be expected to provide more crosses.
“Fullkrug has different characteristics. Even if he didn’t score that many goals, Leao moved well acting as a centre-forward, we just didn’t give him the right service,” insisted Allegri.
“Of course, Fullkrug is more accustomed to that position.”
Santiago Gimenez is on the bench for the first time since his ankle problem started in October, while Adrien Rabiot returns from suspension and Davide Bartesaghi is back in the starting XI.
“I am fortunate enough to see Modric train every day and I think it’ll be tough to see one like him again in future,” noted Allegri when asked if the 40-year-old is planning on retirement this summer.
Milan are feeling the pressure without Rafael Leao, so Niclas Fullkrug starts with Christian Pulisic and Adrien Rabiot against a Torino revitalised by new coach Roberto D’Aversa.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Inter at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The Rossoneri had been dreaming of the Scudetto after beating rivals Inter to close the gap on the leaders, but a surprising defeat to Lazio saw them drop closer to fifth now than first place.
To make matters worse, Rafael Leao suffered an adductor injury after his tantrum at being substituted, so he is ruled out here along with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Matteo Gabbia.
It means Fullkrug is chosen to lead the attack with Pulisic, but the good news is that Santiago Gimenez gets his first appearance on the bench since his ankle injury in October.
Rabiot also returns from suspension to bolster the midfield with Luka Modric, while Davide Bartesaghi is back from injury to replace Pervis Estupinan.
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 01: Davide Bartesaghi of AC Milan in action during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Torino sacked coach Marco Baroni after a dismal run of results and have been revitalised by the arrival of D’Aversa this month.
He oversaw two victories over Lazio and Parma, narrowly falling 2-1 to Napoli.
Zakaria Aboukhlal, Alieu Njie and Zanos Savva did not make the trip, but Nikola Vlasic, Giovanni Simeone and Duvan Zapata lead the attack, with Che Adams and January signing Sandro Kulenovic ready to come off the bench.
When these sides met back in December, Milan ran out 3-2 winners in Turin, ending a run of just one point from three previous meetings with Toro.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 1: Giovanni Simeone of Torino FC celebrates after scoring the team´s first goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on March 1, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)
It kicks off at 18:00 CET (17:00 GMT) at San Siro.
The Rossoneri must cope without Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Matteo Gabbia and Rafael Leao, while Torino have travelled to Milan without Zakaria Aboukhlal and Alieu Njie.
According to various sources, including Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Sport Italia, West Ham loanee Niclas Fullkrug will replace Leao in Milan’s attack, joining Pulisic.
Adrien Rabiot returns after a one-game ban, and Youssouf Fofana is expected to start over Samuele Ricci in central midfield.
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Niclas Fullkrug of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 18, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Scotland international Ché Adams will lead the Torino attack alongside Giovanni Simeone.
Following Napoli’s 1-0 win over Cagliari on Friday, Milan now sit third in the Serie A table, two points below the Partenopei but with a game in hand.
Milan vs. Torino – where to watch on TV
The match is available on DAZN in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a live blog.
Milan vs. Torino – probable line-ups
Milan (3-5-2):Maignan, Tomori, De Winter, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Fullkrug, Pulisic.
The Portuguese winger will undergo further assessment on Saturday to determine the full extent of the muscular problem, with the club keen to establish how long he is likely to be sidelined before making any further announcements, according to reports via FCInter1908.
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Niclas Fullkrug of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 18, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Milan team news: Fullkrug to start alongside Pulisic in Leao absence
In his absence, Niklas Füllkrug is expected to be handed a starting role alongside Christian Pulisic, with the German striker likely to lead the line as Massimiliano Allegri looks to reshuffle his attacking options.
It is a significant blow for Milan at a crucial stage of the season, with the title race against Inter still just about alive and every point now carrying enormous weight.
Leao has been one of Milan’s most important players this season and his absence will be felt, though the hope within the club is that the injury is not serious enough to keep him out for an extended period.
Inter Milan and AC Milan sit jointly at the top of Serie A’s shirt sponsorship earnings table, but the gap between the division’s biggest clubs and the rest remains stark, and for one club, the commercial silence is deafening.
Both Milan clubs currently earn €30 million per season from their respective shirt partners, according to reports gathered by CalcioMercato.
Inter receive their fee from Bettson, whose logo appears as Bettson.sport on the jersey, a workaround required under Italian laws prohibiting direct betting sponsorship.
Milan’s deal with Emirates is worth the same figure this season, though a recently signed renewal will see that rise to €35 million from 2026/27 onwards.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: Daniel Maldini of SS Lazio kicks the ball during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Serie A shirt sponsors: Juventus, Napoli & Roma rise as Lazio go sponsorless
Juventus, meanwhile, have seen a dramatic fall in commercial income in this area.
Having gone a full season without a shirt sponsor, Save the Children carried no financial value, the club have returned Jeep to their jersey, but through an internal Exor arrangement worth just €19 million this season, rising to €23 million next year.
It is a far cry from the €45 million the previous Jeep deal delivered at its peak. Napoli’s MSC Crociere deal is worth €9 million this season and is also set to increase in the coming campaign.
Roma have just unveiled a new shirt partner of their own, Eurobet.live, another betting-adjacent workaround, worth €8 million this season and €13 million from next.
Across the city, however, Lazio remain the only club in Serie A without a shirt sponsor, with Claudio Lotito yet to secure any commercial partnership for the jersey.
Some of the most eye-catching figures come from family-owned clubs with internal sponsorship arrangements. Fiorentina receive €25 million from Mediacom, a company connected to the late Rocco Commisso’s family, while Sassuolo’s Mapei deal is worth €18 million.
At the other end of the scale, the numbers are considerably more modest. Bologna receive €3 million from owner Joey Saputo’s business, Atalanta earn €5 million from Lete, and Cagliari pick up €3.6 million from the Sardinian regional government.
Torino (Suzuki, €2.35m), Parma (Prometeon, €1.5m), Udinese (Friuli Venezia Giulia region, €1.5m) and Genoa (Pulsee, €1.2m) follow, with Verona, Lecce and Como all on €1 million.
Pisa bring up the rear with €700,000 from Cetilar, who also sponsor the stadium.
Login
