Hellas Verona 0-1 AC Milan: Reijnders the decider as Rossoneri struggle | OneFootball

AC Milan returned to winning ways in their final game before Christmas with a goal from Tijjani Reijnders enough to see off Hellas Verona on Friday night.

Leading up to the game, there were wavering reports suggesting what impact failing to win would have on Paulo Fonseca’s position, but anything other than a win would surely put pressure on the Portuguese, even if he admitted that he was not feeling the pressure before the game.

Aside from Filippo Terracciano being put in the starting lineup as a midfielder, there were no real shocks in the team, but it seemed clear from the start that Milan were missing something – a spark in midfield.

As first halves go, this game will not be remembered for very long, at least not fondly with the Diavolo struggling to impose themselves on the game, and no real quality being shown at all from either team.

Rather worrying considering the stakes for everyone…

It seemed like more of the same in the early stages of the second half, but Tijjani Reijnders broke the deadlock 10 minutes after the restart. Youssouf Fofana displayed his fantastic vision once again and played through an incisive pass to the feet of Reijnders who dispatched a powerful effort into the far corner to give the Rossoneri the lead.

A story that has been told so many times already this season, Reijnders the key for Milan, and the news of his impending contract renewal will only be more appreciated after another impressive performance.

Milan’s first real attack of notice came a few minutes into the game – Tammy Abraham spread the ball wide, with Samuel Chukwueze eventually getting a chance to attack down the line, then, after cutting inside he tried to dink a ball into the path of the returning Terracciano, but the Italian was not close to the ball.

The five-minute period that followed was dominated by a lot of Verona possession, with the Rossoneri failing to make much impact on the game; being sloppy in defence, whilst also failing to pass the ball with much conviction.

A theme of the first 15 minutes was both sides trying to do things earlier than probably required – possibly as an attempt to catch either goalkeeper guard – but neither side had any success with Milan attempting a few early crosses, Verona trying to shoot from distance.

More Stories / The Match

Hellas Verona 0-1 AC Milan: Reijnders the decider as Rossoneri struggle

20 December 2024, 22:46

Watch: Reijnders breaks the deadlock for Milan after poor 55 minutes vs. Verona

20 December 2024, 22:13

Hellas Verona 0-1 AC Milan: SempreMilan watchalong and live commentary

20 December 2024, 20:40

Fonseca received a bit of a scare shortly after with Youssouf Fofana going down and clutching his calf after a late challenge, but there were deemed to be no issues and the Frenchman, thankfully, re-entered the field.

Moments after returning to the field, Fofana attempted to slip Tammy Abraham through the middle, but the hosts were aware of the threat and it was quickly nullified.

The Diavolo’s first shot of the game came in similar circumstances, with Chukwueze again looking to do something early. After a few of his early cross attempts had not connected, he opted to try himself, releasing a curling effort from 25 yards, but Montipo collected the ball easily.

Just before the half-hour mark, Verona had the first big chance of the game. Chukwueze misplaced his pass carelessly, with the ball falling into the path of Suslov who drove towards Mike Maignan’s box, the midfielder struck towards goal but the Frenchman got down well.

Then, at the half-hour mark, Rafael Leao went to the ground without a challenge and was replaced by Theo Hernandez, with him unable to continue in the game. A huge loss for Fonseca, considering how big Leao has been in recent weeks.

Nevertheless, a chance for Theo to show himself at his best again, with the Rossoneri needing someone to step up.

There was nothing much to shout about from either team in the ten minutes that followed the substitution, but as was the trend in this game, a shot from distance changed that with Terracciano having a strike from range, which Montipo had to tip over the bar. Almost a dream goal on his return, certainly.

The half-time whistle was quite welcomed when it arrived, with Milan failing to do anything worth noting in the first period. A really torrid 45 minutes all in all and one that will not be remembered easily.

Immediately after the first whistle of the second period, the Diavolo looked to make an early difference with a heap of white shirts charging forward, before Emerson Royal made an attempt from range. Unfortunately, the ball soared over the goal and he was met with jeers.

More Stories about Tijjani Reijnders

Watch: Reijnders breaks the deadlock for Milan after poor 55 minutes vs. Verona

20 December 2024, 22:13

Reijnders named AIC’s ‘Footballer of the Month’ after November performances – photos

19 December 2024, 16:35

Milan stars, management and Fonscea face the people’s court: What the verdict returned

18 December 2024, 19:00

Then, 55 minutes in, Reijnders made the difference once again, as he has so often this season. Playing in a more advanced role, Fofana slipped the Dutchman into a good position and the midfielder struck home with his first touch. A massive goal from Milan’s increasingly pivotal midfielder.

The goal seemingly woke the Rossoneri up with Fonseca’s side coming forward with more purpose in the moments after the goal, with Alex Jimenez having a good effort from range which the keeper was forced to parry for a corner, more of what Fonseca wanted to see.

20 minutes from time, Fonseca opted to make his second change of the game, bringing Davide Calabria onto the pitch for Samuel Chukwueze which saw Milan move into a back five with Emerson moving into the right centre-back spot.

Theo showed some impressive signs as we approached the 80th minute, driving forward before releasing Alex Jimenez down the left flank, but the Spaniard could not do much with the ball in the box, instead passing to Emerson on the edge of the box who again fired wide.

After twisting his ankle a few minutes prior, Matteo Gabbia went to ground seeking treatment but he continued through the final minutes whilst Fonseca opted to bring on Fikayo Tomori to replace Emerson.

The final minutes saw no real drama, barring a red card for a member of the Verona staff as the Rossoneri saw out the result. An underwhelming performance, as has been a regular post-match feeling, but a much-needed three points.