Reijnders proves invaluable in AC Milan's narrow victory in Verona

Against Hellas Verona, statistically the weakest defensive team in Serie A, AC Milan faced an unexpectedly difficult challenge.

The Rossoneri entered the match as clear favorites, but their performance in the first half was underwhelming, with a lack of creativity and cohesion in their attacking play. Hellas Verona, despite their defensive frailties, managed to frustrate Milan by sitting deep and closing down spaces, making it nearly impossible for the visitors to build any meaningful momentum.

To make matters worse, AC Milan suffered a significant blow in the 30th minute when star forward Rafael Leão was forced to leave the pitch due to an apparent injury. Leão’s early exit left a noticeable void in Milan’s attacking setup, as the Portuguese winger’s pace and flair are often central to their offensive strategy. This setback further compounded the team’s struggles, as they lacked a cutting edge in the final third for the remainder of the first half.

The first 45 minutes provided little for Milan fans to cheer about. The team rarely tested Verona's goalkeeper, and their few ventures into the final third lacked precision. In fact, the most memorable moment of the opening half had nothing to do with football: before the game, players from both teams walked onto the pitch accompanied by dogs from a local animal shelter, in a heartwarming gesture aimed at promoting pet adoption. While the initiative captured the audience's attention, the football itself failed to deliver similar excitement.

After the break, however, AC Milan showed signs of improvement. Stefano Pioli’s halftime adjustments seemed to have injected some urgency into the team. Teenage right-back Álex Jiménez, who had a relatively quiet first half, began to make his presence felt. In the 50th minute, he came tantalizingly close to scoring, showing great composure as he launched a powerful shot that was narrowly saved by Verona’s goalkeeper. Moments later, Samuel Chukwueze also threatened to open the scoring, cutting inside from the wing and unleashing a curling effort that just missed the target.

The breakthrough finally came in the 60th minute, and it was Tijjani Reijnders who rose to the occasion. The Dutch midfielder, who has been an increasingly influential figure for Milan this season, capitalized on an excellent through ball that split Verona’s defense. Showing remarkable composure, Reijnders calmly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. The goal was a moment of pure quality, and it lifted the Rossoneri, who celebrated with relief as much as joy. The 1-0 scoreline reflected the balance of the game, with Milan finally asserting their superiority in the second half.

Despite Milan taking the lead, Verona did not go down without a fight. The hosts pushed forward in search of an equalizer, and their efforts created a few nervy moments for Milan’s defense. Tomas Suslov, a player familiar to Dutch football fans from his time at FC Groningen, was a constant threat. His energy and creativity occasionally troubled Milan’s backline, and he came close to creating scoring opportunities for Verona. However, Milan’s defense, marshaled by Fikayo Tomori and Simon Kjær, held firm under pressure, ensuring that the slim lead was protected.

In the closing stages of the match, Milan looked to manage the game and prevent Verona from gaining any momentum. While their performance was far from dominant, the Rossoneri showed resilience and maturity in seeing out the victory. The final whistle brought relief for Milan, who secured three crucial points in their push to climb the Serie A table.

The win lifted AC Milan to seventh place in the league standings, a position that reflects their inconsistent form this season. While the result was positive, the performance left much to be desired, particularly in the first half. Questions remain about the team’s ability to impose themselves against weaker opposition and their reliance on key players like Rafael Leão, whose injury status will be a major concern in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the defeat left Hellas Verona rooted in the lower half of the table, continuing their struggles in a season marked by defensive woes. Despite their valiant effort, Verona’s lack of quality in both defense and attack ultimately cost them against a Milan side that was far from its best.

As AC Milan looks ahead, they face a packed fixture schedule, as Serie A does not pause for a winter break. The Rossoneri will need to address their issues quickly, particularly in creating chances and maintaining consistency. With the transfer window approaching, there may also be discussions about potential reinforcements, especially if Leão’s injury sidelines him for an extended period.

For now, Milan can savor the hard-fought victory, but the match against Verona served as a reminder that there is still work to be done if they hope to compete at the highest level and secure European football next season.