AC Milan continued their good run in Serie A with a tight 1-0 victory over Hellas Verona on matchday 25. Santiago Gimenez scored the only goal of the game at San Siro, nodding home from a Rafa Leão assist. Following this win, the Rossoneri moved to 41 points in the table, keeping pace in the hunt for European football. Sérgio Conceição's side again showed plenty of defensive solidity, keeping their 7th clean sheet at home this season.
The Rossoneri controlled the game well, though the first half was largely devoid of goalmouth action. The hosts then upped the pressure after the break, due in part to the introduction of Leão, who injected energy in the attack. Despite the odd chance that went begging, the team showed character and determination. As a result, the fans can be confident as we go into our upcoming fixtures, starting in the Champions League on Tuesday (18:45 CET kick-off), with the Rossoneri in need of a big turnaround against Feyenoord at San Siro.
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM AC MILAN v HELLAS VERONA
MATCH REPORT
AC Milan tried to impose themselves on the game but things proceeded with moves for both sides but little action in front of goal. In the 25th minute, Reijnders and then Thiaw proved dangerous following a corner and in the 27th minute, João Félix forced Montipò to save. Gimenez had a goal ruled out in the 33rd minute for being in an offside position, though capable of depositing the ball into the net. In injury time, Duda shot over the bar and Musah put in an imprecise attempt, failing to locate the net from the centre of the box. Goalless at half-time.
In the second half, AC Milan put their foot to the pedal and Leão came on in the 46th minute to fire up the Rossoneri attack. After Fofana’s attempt in the 60th minute, Leão in the 67th and Musah in the 70th, without anything convincing, the decisive goal came in the 75th minute: first Jiménez, then Leão with a perfect cross for Gimenez who headed home past Montipò. Hellas Verona tried to react but the Milan defence proved unbeatable. In the final minutes, the Diavolo managed possession well, stopping the opposition from getting off any real attacking action. Leão went on a run in the final moments but didn’t manage to double the lead. Final whistle.
MATCH DETAILS
AC MILAN 1-0 HELLAS VERONA
AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Walker (46' Jiménez), Gabbia, Thiaw, Hernández; Fofana (68' Pulisic), Reijnders; Musah, João Félix (88' Terracciano), Sottil (46' Leão); Gimenez (82' Abraham). Subs: Sportiello, Torriani; Bartesaghi, Pavlović; Bondo; Camarda, Chukwueze, Leão. Coach: Conceição.
HELLAS VERONA (3-5-1-1): Montipò; Dawidowicz, Coppola, Valentini; Tchatchoua, Niasse, Duda, Kastanos (62' Lazović), Bradarić (84' Oyegoke); Suslov (84' Cissè); Sarr (68' Mosquera). Subs: Berardi, Perilli; Daniliuc, Faraoni, Okou; Bernede; Ajayi, Lambourde, Livramento. Coach: Zanetti.
Referee: Fourneau from Roma 1.
Goals: 75' Gimenez (M).
Booked: 11' Coppola (HV), 16' Musah (M), 21' Niasse (HV), 43' Bradarić (HV), 50' Duda (HV), 59' Jiménez (M), 79' Gimenez (M).
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