Reijnders and Gabbia celebrate much-needed Milan victory | OneFootball

Tijjani Reijnders thanks Youssouf Fofana for the genius assist in Milan’s winning goal against Verona, while Matteo Gabbia assures there is ‘positivity’ in the locker room.

It was a tough slog at the Stadio Bentegodi, as the Rossoneri were already missing eight players through injury and also lost Rafael Leao to a left flexor issue after just 32 minutes.

With several players out of position, including Filippo Terracciano in midfield, they managed to scrape a 1-0 victory when Reijnders ran onto the inspired Youssouf Fofana assist and swept first-time into the top corner from the edge of the area.

“Very important, the last game we didn’t win, so we had to answer in this one and it was difficult, but now we have the three points and can celebrate Christmas,” Reijnders told DAZN.

This was the fourth Serie A goal of the season for Reijnders, who has already equalled his personal best for one of the top five European leagues.

Remarkably, the footage shows he never raised his head to look at the net, simply knowing where the top corner was.

“Fofana showed multiple times today, we know he has this kind of pass in his backpack, and I just had to finish it.”

Gabbia and Reijnders reassure Milan mood is positive

epa11787700 Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders celebrates after scoring the 0-1 goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Hellas Verona and AC Milan, in Verona, Italy, 20 December 2024. EPA-EFE/FILIPPO VENEZIA

The tension remains in the stands with Milan ultras chanting insults at President Gerry Cardinale and RedBird throughout the match, urging him to sell the club.

However, Gabbia insists that the mood within the locker room is very different.

“Of course there is positivity, as the coach said, the lads are healthy and positive in the locker room. Obviously, we are not happy that the results aren’t coming, but I think a victory where we usually struggle is important,” Gabbia told DAZN.

“We are obliged in every way to improve our position in the table, we are all trying to do more in training, then there are different situations on match day, as we were missing many players this evening. All those who came on had a great attitude and gave an important contribution.”

Gabbia revealed he had made a special request to goalscorer Reijnders before the game.

“I asked him, Tiji, we need this win, make sure you give us the victory! To his credit, he said sure and kept his word.”