Milan posted their first Serie A win under new manager Paulo Fonseca, tearing newcomers Venezia into pieces at San Siro. A one-sided affair at one of the most iconic Italian stadiums saw the Rossoneri claim an overwhelming 4-0 victory.
Fonseca was under tremendous pressure ahead of the kick-off as Milan went unbeaten in their first three Serie A matches this season. The famous Curva Sud even staged a rally against the Portuguese boss and the club hierarchy in the build-up to the game.
Milan responded on the field and did so emphatically. Rafael Leao released Theo Hernandez into space with a delightful backheel pass. Though the Frenchman still had everything to do from an acute angle, he squeezed the ball through Jesse Joronen’s lags to break the deadlock.
Despite opening the scoring after just two minutes, Milan looked hungry and received a fitting reward in the 16th minute. Christian Pulisic whipped the ball into the box from a corner, with Youssouf Fofana stabbing home from point-blank to double the home team’s advantage.
Two penalties in four minutes sealed Venezia’s faith. After chipping in with an assist, Pulisic scored from the spot to make it 3-0. On the cusp of the half-hour mark, Tammy Abraham put away another spot-kick to fire Milan to a morale-boosting triumph.
Little did anyone know it would be the final score. However, Milan took their feet off the gas in the second half, allowing Venezia to return home with dignity.
Milan (4-2-3-1)
Mike Maignan – 6
Venezia tested the highly-rated goalkeeper only once, as the ex-Lille star had a quiet evening for a change.
Emerson Royal – 7
After a nightmarish performance against Lazio, the Brazilian fullback fared much better tonight, doing well defensively while offering depth in the final third
Matteo Gabbia – 6.5
Except for a needless bookable offense, the Milan homegrown defender held up his end of the bargain at the back, especially when called to intervene in the air.
Strahinja Pavlovic – 7
The Serbian center-back continues to amaze in Serie A. Another energetic and spotless showing from the summer addition!
Theo Hernandez – 7.5
Perhaps furious with the recent criticism, one of the world’s best wingbacks reminded the public who he is with a vintage performance.
Tijjani Reijnders – 6.5
Despite distributing the ball with precision and barely giving up possession, there’s a feeling the Dutchman could still improve his decision-making.
Youssouf Fofana – 7.5
If he can keep up with this level of play, the Frenchman will be a pivotal signing for Milan. Outstanding on both ends of the field!
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 7
Tonight’s display was the closest the Englishman came to his scintillating form last term, completing numerous progressive runs with the ball and combining well with his attacking teammates.
Christian Pulisic – 7.5
Calm and collected from the spot, the USMNT forward brought his A-game to the table this evening. He was unstoppable!
Rafael Leao – 7.5
Speaking of vintage performances, the Milan No10 showed why many consider him the best winger in Serie A. In addition to a beautiful assist for Hernandez, he drew a penalty.
Tammy Abraham – 7
Though his first goal in the Milan shirt came from the spot, the former Chelsea striker enjoyed a great game, linking up well with Leao and Pulisic.
Substitutes
Noah Okafor – 6
Alvaro Morata – 6
Yunus Musah – 6
Samuel Chukwueze – 5.5
Kevin Zeroli – 5.5
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