Notes On A Struggle For Three Points

Perhaps mildly surprising but Adli got his long awaited start for Milan. Krunic and Tonali did as well.

The hosts had a good portion of the ball very early on but a mistake near the middle of the pitch led to Milan opening the scoring. Leao received the ball and his cross. The ball went in off of Miguel Veloso, the Portuguese veteran. Soon after Giroud had one of his worst of his recent misses when he just missed the net one on one with Lorenzo Montipo in Verona’s goal.

Another own goal arrived, this time Koray Gunter’s shot on goal was deviated in by Gabbia. The rest of the first was mostly quiet apart from when Kalulu fell in the Verona box and Verona had a decent chance late.

Rebic and Origi for Diaz and Giroud were the two changes at half time.

With Kalalu way up the pitch and losing the ball Verona had an early counter that ended with a shot just wide. Rebic then had a chance when put through from a Theo pass. The pace had picked up. Substitute Roberto Piccoli nearly gave the hosts the lead but his header hit the crossbar. Gabbia’s marking was near to non existent.

With half hour to go Bennacer and Pobega replaced Adli and Krunic. A flurry of action at the 75th minute had Rebic getting close but otherwise the game was devoid of real quality. A somewhat innocent looking action ended with a Rebic cross/pass to Tonali who was almost alone in front of the Verona goal and he finished easily enough. Thiaw replaced Leao to close the game. Verona’s late push, including several more corners, came to nothing.

It was a bigger struggle for three points than it needed to be.