CAPPING OFF 2025 WITH A WIN AT SAN SIRO
Serie A
There can be no better way to finish a long and intense year than a win in front of a packed San Siro. On Serie A matchday 17, the last round of fixtures in 2025, AC Milan beat Hellas Verona by three goals to nil. This result takes Allegri's side back to the top of the table (for the time being, as we await the remainder of this weekend's games) ahead of the new year. It was a tough game, in which we broke the deadlock in stoppage time in the first half thanks to Christian Pulisic, who shows no signs of slowing this season.
But the star of the show on a cold Sunday afternoon was Christopher Nkunku, who netted his first brace for the club at the start of the second half, leaving plenty of room for that balloon celebration for his son. Allegri's men put in a mature and organised performance and recorded an important clean sheet, especially given Hellas Verona's recent form. So, a good way to end 2025. We're not stopping, however, as the Rossoneri get back to work tomorrow in order to start preparations for the trip to Cagliari on Friday 2 January (20:45 CET kick-off). Forza Milan!
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM AC MILAN v HELLAS VERONA
MATCH REPORT
The Rossoneri enjoyed sustained possession in the early stages against a well-organised Hellas side. The first effort on goal came in the 20th minute, with Loftus-Cheek seeing his right-footed half-volley deflected behind for a corner. A promising move followed on 28 minutes as Rabiot’s low cross evaded Nkunku by inches; from the resulting corner, Saelemaekers’ attempt flew over the bar. Mosquera’s had a go for the visitors in the 35th minute, but the ball ran well wide of Maignan’s goal. Just as it seemed like the first half would end goalless, the Rossoneri took the lead in stoppage time: Modrić delivered a corner, Rabiot flicked it on, and Pulisic applied the close-range finish to make it 1-0.
The second half began in the best way possible: Nelsson’s foul on Nkunku resulted in a penalty, which the Frenchman coolly converted for the Rossoneri’s second. AC Milan had the wind in their sails and quickly added a third in the 53rd minute: Modrić’s powerful strike from the edge of the box was saved by Montipò (and came back off the post), but Nkunku was quickest to react and tapped in the rebound. It was all AC Milan going forward, with the visiting goalkeeper cutting out De Winter’s dangerous knock-down for Pavlović in the 59th minute. Nkunku then slipped a fine through ball to Loftus-Cheek, but Montipò stood firm to thwart Rubes (61’). The visitors pushed harder in the final half hour, most notably through Niasse in the 86th minute, but the scoreline remained unchanged until the final whistle confirmed a Rossoneri victory.
MATCH DETAILS
AC MILAN 3-0 HELLAS VERONA
AC MILAN (3-5-2): Maignan; Tomori (86' Odogu), De Winter, Pavlović; Saelemaekers (75' Athekame), Loftus-Cheek (70' Fofana), Modrić (70' Jashari), Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Nkunku, Pulisic (76' Ricci). Subs: Terracciano, Torriani; Estupiñan; Castiello. Coach: Allegri.
HELLAS VERONA (3-5-1-1): Montipò; Núñez, Nelsson, Bella-Kotchap; Oyegoke (75' Serdar), Niasse, Elmusrati (84' Harroui), Bernède, Bradarić (65' Valentini); Giovane (46' Sarr); Mosquera (46' Orban). Subs: Perilli, Toniolo; Ebosse, Fallou; Gagliardini, Kastanos, Slotsager, Yellu; Ajayi. Coach: Zanetti (suspended, Bertolini on the bench).
Referee: Fabbri from Ravenna.
Goals: 45'+1 Pulisic (M), 48' pen. and 53' Nkunku (M).
Booked: 43' Elmusrati (HV).
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