COMMANDING VICTORY IN UDINE
Serie A
AC Milan continued their winning run in Serie A with an imposing 3-0 victory away at Udinese on matchday 4. The Rossoneri, with Marco Landucci in the dug-out, put in a solid and determined performance, while Christian Pulisic starred with a brace. Youssouf Fofana scored the Diavolo's second goal, which more or less put the game to bed. This win takes Milan to nine points, as they continued their recent run of form. The team were aggressive and ambitious, looking to assert themselves right from the off. The 3-5-2 formation helped the Rossoneri to control the midfield and create plenty of chances, all while not allowed their opponents a sniff.
Pulisic opened the scored in the 39th minute, Fofana doubled the lead just after the break, and then the American made it a brace in the 53rd. The Rossoneri's defence kept concentration levels high and did not allow Udinese to get back into the game. The team showed plenty of character tonight and played some really fluid football. Yet, their defence structure remained intact, despite the offensive outlook. Now, we turn our attention to Tuesday's Coppa Italia fixture against Lecce.
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM UDINESE v AC MILAN
MATCH DETAILS
The first half began with AC Milan determined to take control of the game. The first chance fell to Pulisic in the third minute, with Sava keeping out his right-footed effort at the near post. Gimenez then had an even clearer opportunity after being played through by Estupiñan, but the Mexican was denied by the home goalkeeper (19'). AC Milan were patient and industrious, creating plenty while conceding little. The breakthrough came in the 39th minute through Pulisic, who found the net after an Estupiñan cross had caused havoc for the Udinese defence. The Rossoneri kept pressing, but the scoreline remained 1-0 heading into the break. Immediately after the restart, Pulisic recovered the ball in the box and set up Fofana to score AC Milan's second. Udinese tried to respond, but AC Milan's backline held firm, repelling every attempt from the home side.
In the 53rd minute, Pulisic grabbed his second of the night, finishing off an assist from Rabiot after a flowing team move. Udinese tried to regroup with several substitutions, but AC Milan maintained control. Led by Tomori and Gabbia, the Rossoneri defence refused to afford any space to their opponents, while Terracciano was alert on the few occasions he was called into action, mostly from long-range efforts. In the closing stages, the Diavolo managed their lead intelligently, securing three valuable points from a match where Zachary Athekame enjoyed his first minutes in a Rossoneri shirt. It was a convincing performance all round, once again underlining the quality and depth of the squad.
MATCH DETAILS
UDINESE 0-3 AC MILAN
UDINESE (4-4-2): Sava; Zemura, Solet, Kristensen, Ehizibue (59' Zanoli); Atta (81' Miller), Zarraga, Karlström, Ekkelenkamp (59' Modesto); Bravo (46' Buksa), Davis (59' Zaniolo). Subs: Nunziante, Venuti; Bertola, Goglichidze, Kabasele, Kamara, Palma; Piotrovski; Gueye. Coach: Runjaić.
AC MILAN (3-5-2): Terracciano; Pavlović (68' De Winter), Gabbia, Tomori; Saelemaekers, Fofana (68' Ricci), Modrić (81' Athekame), Rabiot, Estupiñan; Pulisic (62' Loftus-Cheek), Giménez (62' Nkunku). Subs: Pittarella, Torriani; Bartesaghi, Odogu; Balentien. Coach: Landucci (Allegri suspended).
Referee: Doveri from Roma 1.
Goals: 39' and 53' Pulisic (M), 46' Fofana (M).
Booked: 30' Atta (U), 50' Zemura (U).
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