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Samuel Chukwueze came on a subtititue but could not stop Milan from losing to Roma at the San Siro in the first leg of their Europa League quarterfinal clash.
Mancini the difference as Chukwueze fails to inspire a comeback from the bench
The all-Italian affair kicked off with Roma looking like the dangerous side in the early proceedings.
The Giallorossi eventually took the lead, but it did not come without some controversy.
Mike Maignan made a brilliant fingertip save from Stephan El Shaarawy's deflected shot to force a corner, but Romelu Lukaku appeared to be offside in the build up play, leaving Milan manager Stefano Pioli fuming and booked for dissent. Gianluca Mancini was allowed a relatively free header to nod in from six yards from the resulting corner, with the Rossoneri feeling a sense of injustice.
Milan pushed for leveller but the first half ended with Roma ahead.
The second half started with Milan on top, but they were limited to shots from distance, with Tijjani Reijnders at the centre of these shots, but Roma’s goalkeeper Mile Svilar dealt with them comfortably.
Nigerian winger Chukwueze came on for Christian Pulisic in the 78th minute and looked dangerous. After blasting his shot just over the bar from the edge of the area, he created a glorious chance for Olivier Giroud after dribbling through a sea of defenders, but the French striker could only hit the bar.
With just one goal in the tie, all is left to play for when Milan visit Stadio Olimpico next Thursday for the reverse fixture.
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