Milan wins in Verona and joins Napoli in second place

Narrow victory for Milan, who beat Verona 1-0 at Bentegodi e joins Napoli in second place of the ranking. The Rossoneri’s lead on fifth place now increases to eight points, with Rabiot’s goal deciding the match and thus putting a potential threat on his team’s Champions League qualification.

Lots of balance and few opportunities in the first part

Milan initially left control of the ball to Verona and then tried to exploit the spaces left by the Scaligeri. The first bell of the match came in the 32nd minute, with the Rossoneri’s quick transition finding the combination between Pulisic and Rabiot which sent the Frenchman shooting, blocking Montipò. Chance for the former Juventus player, who however scored the goal for AC Milan’s lead a little later: posted with the right time by Leao precisely for Rabiot, who crosses with his left foot, thus beating the Hellas goalkeeper.

Verona reacts and comes close to equalizing in injury time, with Belghali’s breakaway who runs behind the Milan defense and tries the inside right, Maignan is reactive to close the mirror. The first half ends, with Allegri asking his team for even more patience in the second half, while Verona appears more proactive. Sammarco introduces Vermesan, who scares Milan twice midway through the second half: first the powerful shot which after a deflection forces Maignan to dive; then with a curling shot from the left, just wide of the far post.

Thrill for the Rossoneri, who in the 74th minute would find the doubling the lead on Saelemaekers’ cross for the winning header by Gabbia, however thwarted by a previous offside by Gimenez. Milan returns to defend itself, granting control of the ball to Verona and trying to restart. In the 90th minute it was Saelemaekers who had the ball to make it 2-0, a left-footed shot from inside the area which was saved by Valentini on the line. Siege final for Verona, who However, he is unable to find the spark to equalize, surrendering to their fifth consecutive defeat and last place in the standings.