A TWO‑NIL WIN ON MATCHDAY TWO
Serie A
A clinical finish from a true number nine. Gonçalo Ramos' first goal at San Siro - together with a late own goal from Halhal - helped AC Milan overcome a determined and stubborn Venezia on Serie A Matchday 2. The 2-0 victory rounds off August in perfect fashion for the Rossoneri, who remain on maximum points after the opening 180 minutes of the season. It was an important result and the perfect way to begin the campaign at home in front of a passionate crowd at San Siro, with the team reinforcing their strong start.
AC Milan were full of endeavour and looked to dictate play, carrying on from Sunday's display against Torino. However, they had to dig deep to overcome a spirited Venezia side who showed no fear, operated high up the pitch and created several chances that could have changed the course of the contest. AC Milan created plenty of opportunities of their own, but an inspired Stanković kept out their efforts during the opening 45 minutes, while Musah came close to his first Rossoneri goal when he struck the bar early in the second half. After a couple of days off, Amorim's players, who can look ahead with confidence, will begin preparing for their big clash away to Juventus at 20:45 CEST on Sunday 6 September.
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM AC MILAN v VENEZIA
MATCH REPORT
Following an emotional tribute to Franco Baresi, AC Milan had their first attempt after just over 50 seconds, but Ramos fired off target. Cisse also failed to find the target in the fifth minute, before Ramos was denied by the onrushing Stanković after Chukwueze had played him in behind (12'). Venezia threatened through Adams in the 19th minute, but Maignan got down to gather. Ramos' left-footed effort from distance didn't pose a threat (22'), while a minute later Stanković raced off his line to beat Pavlović to Bartesaghi's well-weighted pass. There was a scare when Yeboah went close from close range, first with a left-footed effort and then via a ricochet that almost sent the ball in (24'). Ramos tried to pick his spot in the 33rd minute, but his right-footed effort was saved. De Winter then rose to meet a corner but headed off target (40'). The final opportunity of the half fell to Chukwueze, who was unable to generate enough power on a left-footed strike that Stanković gathered low.
The second half began with a huge chance for the visitors as Hainaut's right-footed attempt flashed just wide of Maignan's right-hand post. AC Milan responded in the 55th minute, with Musah striking the bar with a right-footed effort after a free-kick. Ramos' header on the hour mark and Pavlović's left-footed shot five minutes later also failed to find a way in. The Rossoneri's persistence finally paid off on the break in the 69th minute, when a counter-attack ended with Saelemaekers' no-look pass finding Gonçalo Ramos, who scored with an angled finish to register his first competitive goal for AC Milan. Maignan gathered Yeboah's dangerous left-footed strike from distance at the second attempt in the 73rd minute, while Chukwueze's through ball then released Saelemaekers, but the Belgian could not bring it under control with a big chance beckoning. Venezia pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Maignan was not seriously troubled. AC Milan then sealed the victory in the 89th minute: Jashari was played in behind and saw his right-footed shot saved by Stanković, but the ball ricocheted off Halhal and into the net. The score remained unchanged during four minutes of added time, with the final whistle confirming the Rossoneri's victory.
MATCH DETAILS
AC MILAN 2-0 VENEZIA
AC MILAN (3-4-2-1): Maignan; Gila (87' Gabbia), De Winter, Pavlović; Chukwueze, Musah, Modrić (74' Jashari), Bartesaghi (87' Estupiñan); Loftus-Cheek (59' Saelemaekers), Cisse (59' Rabiot); Ramos. Subs: P. Terracciano, Torriani; Diawara, F. Terracciano; Comotto, Moreira, Pulisic; Camarda. Coach: Amorim.
VENEZIA (3-5-2): Stanković; Schingtienne, Bella-Kotchap, Franjić (45'+3 Halhal); Hainaut, Pérez (80' Rrahmani), Busio, Bašić (66' Sohm), Haps (66' Correia); Yeboah (80' Lauberbach), Adams. Subs: Grandi, Montipò; Gomes, Sagrado; Dagasso, Fanne, Farji, Helgason, Panada; Okoro. Coach: Stroppa.
Referee: Manganiello from Pinerolo.
Goals: 69' Ramos (M), 89' o.g. Halhal (M).
Booked: 27' Schingtienne (V), 48' Pérez (V), 54' Haps (V), 71' Pavlović (M).
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