AC MILAN SECURE ALL THREE POINTS IN VERONA

Another three points secured for the Rossoneri, who were made to fight hard throughout. Ultimately, it was Kris Piątek who ensured that AC Milan could celebrate a win at the Bentegodi – a ground which has proven a difficult venue historically. The Pole successfully converted from the penalty spot after sixty-seven minutes for his first goal in the league since 19 May. Though it may not have always been pleasing on the eye, it was a crucial away victory and sees coach Giampaolo’s team increase their tally to six points for the season. Verona, who were reduced to ten men in the first half, proved tough to break down and fought hard until the very end. For the second consecutive matchday, Gigio Donnarumma kept a clean sheet – a reassuring sign ahead of next Saturday’s derby. The evening at the Marcantonio Bentegodi also saw Ante Rebić make his debut as a Rossonero. Though he arrived at Milanello just a few days ago, he was introduced from the first minute of the second half. AC Milan's next match sees them go up against Inter in what is the San Siro's first derby of the new season (Saturday, 21 September at 20:45 CEST).

REPORT
The game’s first chance fell to Piątek, whose right-footed effort grazed the crossbar. The hosts were reduced to ten men after just nineteen minutes, with Stępiński going in too high on Musacchio. Manganiello initially decided to produce a yellow card, before changing his decision to red after an on-field review. Verona’s attitude did not change despite the numerical disadvantage, with Verre’s half volley threatening Donnarumma in goal in the 28th minute. AC Milan struggled to settle into their rhythm but went close on two occasions through Kessié. Furthermore, Piątek was agonisingly close to latching onto Suso’s cross-cum-shot. Head coach Giampaolo opted to remove Paquetá at half time and give Ante Rebić his debut in AC Milan colours. The visitors increased the pressure on Verona in the second half, with Calabria hitting the post with a wonderful effort. The goal came after sixty-seven minutes. Günter was deemed to have committed handball in the area, and Piątek made no mistake from the penalty spot, scoring his first goal of the 2019/20 Serie A season. The Polish striker doubled his tally in the 82nd minute but saw his goal ruled out after an on-field review. In the final minutes of the game, Calabria was sent off for a foul on Pessina. The resulting free kick was blocked by the wall and the visitors were able to see the game over the line for a crucial three points.

MATCH DETAILS

HELLAS VERONA 0-1 AC MILAN

Hellas Verona (3-4-2-1): Silvestri; Rrahmani (79' Tutino), Kumbulla, Günter; Faraoni, Amrabat, Veloso, Lazovic; Zaccagni (79' Di Carmine), Verre (67' Pessina); Stępiński. Subs.: Berardi; Adjapong, Danzi, Dawidowicz, Di Empereur, Henderson, Pazzini, Radunovic, Vitale. Coach: Juric

AC Milan (4-3-2-1): Donnarumma G.; Calabria; Musacchio, Romagnoli, Rodriguez; Kessie, Biglia, Calhanoglu; Suso, Paquetá (46' Rebić); Piątek. Subs: Donnarumma A., Soncin; Conti, Duarte, Hernández; Bennacer, Bonaventura, Krunić; Castillejo, Borini, Leão. Coach: Giampaolo

Referee: Manganiello from Pinerolo
Goal: 67' pen. Piątek (M)
Booked: 24' Piątek (M), 35' Paquetá (M), 39' Veloso (V), 64' Günter (V), 74' Amrabat (V), 85' Silvestri (V), 86' Rebić (M)
Sent off: 19' Stępiński (V), 92' Calabria (M)

The official PUMA match kits for the 2019/20 season are available in the AC Milan Online Store!