Nocerino: 'Muntari goal changed Milan history'

Antonio Nocerino believes the infamous ‘ghost goal’ against Juventus was ‘the moment that changed the history of Milan,’ leading to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva exits.

The incident occurred during a 1-1 draw at San Siro on February 25, 2012, meaning the Scudetto showdown ended in a stalemate rather than allowing the Rossoneri to take control.

Juventus would eventually win the Serie A title, but that moment – when Sulley Ali Muntari’s effort crossed the line before Gigi Buffon palmed it back out – was a turning point in the push for goal-line technology.

“It wasn't after the game everyone went mad, it was straight after the goal. It was incredible, it was a goal. Buffon moved behind his goal-line when he clawed the ball,” Nocerino told The Italian Football Podcast.

“This moment changed the future of Milan. With this goal, Milan would have won the Scudetto. The big players – Zlatan and Thiago Silva – wouldn't have left the club that summer. The club would have invested more money to win as well going forward. So this ghost goal changed the history of Milan.

“If Milan had won the Scudetto, Zlatan and Thiago would have stayed, Milan for sure would have won more Scudetti.”

Ibra did return eventually and is set to start this Sunday in another clash with Juventus, even if it’s for fourth place rather than the title.

“Milan have run, run, run a lot for one year. And now the players have run out of gasoline, they've hit the reserves in the tank,” continued Nocerino.

“I really hope they can have a good sprint now until the end of the season. The Champions League is really important for them, especially after the incredible year they had.

“As for Juventus, after nine years of winning, there was a transitional season. A new coach, new players. Some of the young players will be amazing in a few years' time but now they don't have the experience.

“It is going to be difficult for Juventus and Milan to get into the Champions League because both Napoli and Atalanta have an easier run-in.

“The Juventus vs. Milan game is a Champions League playoff – whoever wins this game will qualify for the Champions League. But also let's not rule out Lazio, too.”