Milan utterly outclassed Lazio in a high-stakes Serie A showdown at San Siro on Sunday to maintain a 100% start to the season. Goals from Rafael Leao and Zlatan Ibrahimovic either side of half-time proved sufficient for a comfortable 2-0 victory on home turf.
Milan dominated possession and pushed Lazio deep into their own territory from the kick-off but failed to concretize their dominance until the 45th minute. Another quick transition that saw Leao start and finish a blistering counter-attack put the Rossoneri in front on the stroke of half-time.
Milan were inches away from doubling their lead before the break, but Franck Kessie hit the crossbar from the spot-kick on his season debut. Unlike the Ivorian, Zlatan Ibrahimovic showed no mercy to Pepe Reina in the 67th minute. Just seven minutes after replacing Leao, the Swede tapped the ball into the net on a delightful assist from Ante Rebic.
Lazio never managed to bounce back and create anything meaningful in the front third, with Pioli’s men continuing to keep hold of the ball with ease and purpose. A victory over the Biancocelesti stretched Milan’s winning start to this Serie A season to three matches.
Leao, who was one of the architects of Milan’s top-class performance at San Siro, shared his feelings about scoring in front of the home crowd.
“I think it was a nice goal, but first there is a good job of my teammates,” he told DAZN, via TUTTOmercatoWEB.
“We knew it was a very tough challenge in front of our fans and winning is the best thing. Winning like this in front of our fans is even more beautiful, they are our 12th player.
“I’m satisfied with what I’ve done. I lacked continuity, but I try game after game, training after training to improve as a player.“