TONALI STRIKES AGAIN AT BENTEGODI TO SEAL VICTORY
Serie A
This AC Milan side will never say die. Even though they weren't at their best, the Rossoneri dug deep, scored their winner and beat Hellas Verona by two goals to one thanks to Tonali's late strike. In fact, Sandro hadn't scored since the brace at the Bentegodi in the title run-in last season, so maybe there was some semblance of destiny at play... It was a tough match, much more so than we might have expected given the fast start, with the Rossoneri taking the lead and spurning a chance to double their advantage early on. The Gialloblù, however, were not to be disheartened and the hosts equalised through Günter and looked set to hold on until the end. Almost.
Tonali will grab the headlines but we would be remiss not to mention Thiaw, who came off the bench and looked determined to thwart any attempts from Verona to score. It was a vital victory, which sees Pioli's side move into third place after ten games played. The Rossoneri are still within touching distance of Napoli (-3) and have maintained their advantage over Inter (+5) and Juventus (+7). Fatigue from playing in the Champions League in midweek was noticeable but our boys did splendidly to overcome any weariness. Next up for the Rossoneri, it's Monza at San Siro next Saturday (18:00 CEST).
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM HELLAS VERONA v AC MILAN
MATCH REPORT
The main news of the night was a debut start for Adli in the trequartista role: Bennacer was left on the bench with Krunić in midfield. After three minutes, Giroud had AC Milan’s first attempt at goal from distance but shot over, after Tomori had recovered the ball well. Faraoni had a similar effort after seven minutes that was kept out by Tătărușanu. Two minutes later, the Rossoneri opened the scoring: an error by Hrustic opened the way for Giroud to pass to Leão, who pushed down on the accelerator button and his cross was deflected into Verona’s net by defender Veloso for an own goal. Within seconds after the re-start, Giroud had a golden chance to double the lead but his chip over the keeper drifted just wide of the post, after a lovely ball through by Díaz. It was an early missed opportunity that cost the away side dearly, as Verona equalised after 19 minutes: Tameze spread the play out to Günter who struck a right-footed strike on target that hit Gabbia and deflected in to beat Tătărușanu. The game had a fast tempo with both sides enjoying lots of space in attacking areas but without making any clear-cut chances: Hernández and Faraoni both tried hard without the desired effect; nothing else of note came about except Veloso being contained in the penalty area, as the half came to a close.
Two important changes were made at half-time, with Origi and Rebić replacing Giroud and Díaz. Divock was straight into the action but several offensive opportunities were wasted that gave the Gialloblù the chance to counter: after 47 minutes, Hrustic's left foot shot just curled past the far post. After 49 minutes, Rebić was next to have a great chance: Hernández found the striker whose turn and shot was well saved by Montipò. Hellas were a whisker away from taking the lead after 56 minutes when Piccoli was left free in the box but his header smashed against the face of the crossbar; then, Günter fired just over from the rebound. Bennacer and Pobega were brought on but it didn’t stop Piccoli again, just after the hour mark, making Tătărușanu work again. AC Milan dug deep and stayed in the game. The Diavolo started to push a few more men forward and created a few dangerous chances: with 15 minutes to go, Montipò said no to Hernández’s rasping drive, and then from Rebić’s glancing header; Origi after 79 minutes got in a good position but failed to hit the target. It was looking like the goal wasn’t forthcoming before up stepped Tonali after 81 minutes: Rebić’s ball through to him was perfectly weighted, as was Sandro’s run, who struck it first time to tuck it away and make it 2-1. In the closing stages, there were some nervous moments: with five minutes to go, Piccoli failed to score, and Thiaw threw himself into saving attempts that looked likely goals after 87 and 90 minutes. And just before the final whistle, Tonali stung the hands of Montipò.
MATCH DETAILS
HELLAS VERONA 1-2 AC MILAN
HELLAS VERONA (3-4-2-1): Montipò; Hien, Günter, Magnani (70' Cabal); Faraoni, Tameze (65' Hongla), Veloso, Depaoli; Hrustic (54' Piccoli), Verdi (71' Kallon); Henry (65' Djurić). Subs: Berardi, Chiesa; Perilli, Praszelik, Sulemana, Terracciano. Coach: Bocchetti.
AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): Tătărușanu; Kalulu, Gabbia, Tomori, Hernández; Tonali, Krunić (61' Pobega); Díaz (46' Rebić), Adli (60' Bennacer), Leão (83' Thiaw); Giroud (46' Origi). Subs: Jungdal, Mirante; Ballo-Touré, Dest, Thiaw; Bakayoko, Vranckx; Messias. Coach: Pioli.
Referee: Massa from Imperia.
Goals: 9' o.g. Veloso (M), 19' Günter (HV), 81' Tonali (M).
Booked: 39' Bocchetti (HV) in the dug-out, 66' Magnani (HV), 68' Hongla (HV), 75' Faraoni (HV), 80' Hernández (M), 90' Rebić (M).
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