Rafael Leao eased growing tensions at San Siro with an early goal to inspire out-of-form Milan to an ugly 1-0 win over Hellas Verona. Saturday’s contest at a soaked surface in the Lombard capital was anything but an eventful affair, especially from the home side’s point of view.
However, Leao came to the rescue, taking advantage of Verona’s sluggish reaction at the back to win the game for Milan only eight minutes into the game. Stefano Pioli’s team desperately needed three points today to shrug off mass criticism after Inter wiped the floor with them last weekend.
While the raucous home support hoped for a more electrifying performance, Milan struggled to provide much entertainment. But their hero held up his end of the bargain, catapulting Rossoneri to a precious win with a superb solo goal. It was a fitting way to mark his first Serie A start with the captain’s armband.
Pioli handed his new No10 the band as Davide Calabria and Theo Hernandez were unavailable for selection. Leao’s teammate Alessandro Florenzi delivered his verdict on the supersonic forward’s showing this afternoon. He believes the new role suited the Portuguese ace well.
“I think it was good for him. Hopefully the captain and the deputy will be back soon, we all serve here,” Florenzi said after helping Milan squeeze past Verona, as quoted by MilanNews.
“He’s an intelligent guy, he knows when he makes mistakes. It’s enough for us that he’s happy, that’s the most important thing,” the Milan full-back finished.
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