Pato late strike lifts Milan past Fiorentina

(GSM) – Two late goals, including a last-gasp winner from Alexandre Pato, gave AC Milan a 2-1 victory over struggling Fiorentina on Wednesday in a midweek Serie A clash.

Alberto Gilardino fired the Viola into a 14th-minute lead at the Artemio Franchi, but Dutchman Klaas-Jan Huntelaar pulled the Rossoneri level with nine minutes to play.

Then, two minutes into stoppage time, Pato struck the winner to lift Milan into second place in the league.

Fiorentina, who got their first league win in five games over the weekend, took a lead just before the quarter-hour when ex-Milan striker Gilardino took a pass inside the area before slotting beyond Cristian Abbiati.

The home side were the better of the two combatants in the first half, but Milan picked up the pace in the second half.

The improvement led to an equalizer in the 81st minute as substitute Huntelaar took a wonderful cross from Ronaldinho and blasted a shot across Sebastian Frey’s goal into the corner.

Then, with just moments left in the match, Pato grabbed the winner after yet another perfect service from Ronaldinho.

Fiorentina, who currently sit a dismal 10th in the league, have just one league win in their last six games.