FROM THE SEND. In less than 3 minutes, Milan directs the match with Venezia on the right tracks. Merit of the elusive Leao, who cuts the defense of Venezia and puts in the middle for Ibrahimovic, who has to do is push the ball into the net. The game, or at least its outcome, is decided at this moment. The Venetians crumble and the Rossoneri keep possession of the ball without running any risk throughout the first half.
The only reproach that can be made to Pioli’s team is that of not being cynical in the goal area, even if Romero, problematic in the grip, must deflect the conclusions of Leao, Theo Hernandez and Florenzi for a corner. The coach perceives the danger of a drop in concentration against an opponent in crisis, but still desperate for a useful result, and in the interval he recharges his. Thus, in the second half Milan returns to the field with the same competitive malice and the same determination that allowed them to overtake Roma four days ago. It’s a moment: not even two minutes of aggression and Leao, again he, with two pool touches, inspires Theo Hernandez who doubles by kicking at Romero’s near post.
Venice-Milan, AC Milan ultras fire smoke bombs on boats in the lagoon
One would expect a reaction from Venezia, which does not arrive also because the Rossoneri are armored behind (Gabbia and Kalulu play their part as central players, even if it must be admitted that Henry and his teammates are not terribly afraid). Bakayoko also did well, after an uncertain start to the season, precise in the role of filter and in the restart, more and more Tonali leaders to dictate the rhythms and setting of the game.
Another ten minutes pass and the episode that closes the match arrives, if ever it were needed: the madness of Svoboda, who actually serves Ibrahimovic in the middle of the area, then rejects Theo’s conclusion with his hand. Hernandez without fail. The expulsion is inevitable, the penalty too. Ibra takes a step back after the mistake with Roma and entrusts the task to Theo, who signs the personal double (14 ‘st).
In numerical superiority, Milan continues to attack, without raging and taking advantage of it to catch his breath and get the three points with a perfect match, without dissipating energy: three goals scored (10 adding Empoli and Rome), without conceding. The victory also gives the subtle thrill of virtual leadership in the standings, with two points and two games more than Inter. A strong signal in the Scudetto key.
“I scored a goal against Venezia in the first leg, this time a brace: I’m happy”, rejoices Theo, best player in the field together with Leao, promoted to captain due to the absences of Romagnoli and Calabria. “We have to win all the games, then let’s see – adds the French full-back -. The renewal of the contract? We are talking, we are at a very good point. Here I am happy. I work to become the new Maldini, thanks to his advice ».
Pioli is more than satisfied, celebrating his 400th bench in Serie A with an important result (the first on 10 September 2006 with Parma): «We are competitive again, 2022 must be the year of confirmation. We do not hide, there is still one last step between this and winning. Inter are favorites, then there are many teams including us and Juve. Here in Venice we were good at making a difficult match easy ».