After the victory on the opening matchday, Milan had the chance to immediately seize top spot in the standings. The goal was to build on last week’s confidence boost and reach this small but significant milestone.
First Half: imprecision reigns
From the very first minutes, Amorim‘s side tried to replicate the high pressing and pace seen last week. When Venezia attempted to build from the back, Milan’s more attacking players worked to close down spaces. Milan looked for long-range efforts through Cissé and Ramos, as well as through balls for the Portuguese striker. Venezia, when given the chance, broke quickly on the counter, managing a couple of shots on goal. Imprecision dominated on both sides, and the first half ended in growing general tedium.
Second Half: Milan struggles, then breaks the deadlock
In the second half, the Venetians seemed to push with greater conviction. They came close to scoring and, at the same time, closed down Milan’s passing lanes. Milan needed a few minutes to get back into the game, first with a Musah crossbar and then with an imprecise header from Ramos. The latter, with 20 minutes remaining, finally broke the deadlock by finishing on the counter-attack. It remained, however, a flash of brilliance in an otherwise dull match, as the tedium continued into the final stages.
The final blow: own goal and three points
An unfortunate own goal from Bella-Kotchap in the closing minutes sealed the result at 2-0, settling the matter and gifting Milan an evening at the top of the table. Despite the difficulties, this small milestone has been achieved.
