After losing to Atalanta and being knocked out of the Champions League, Milan showed their resilience and determination.
In the lunch match of the 16th round of Serie A, Pioli’s team beat Monza 3-0, responded to Napoli and took advantage of Juventus’ slip-up to close the gap in the standings.
At the Meazza, in the first half, the Rossoneri started strong and unlocked the match with a magic by Reijnders (3′), then tested Di Gregorio twice with Florenzi, doubled with Simic (41′) on an assist by Leao and hit the crossbar with Pulisic.
In the second half, the Brianzoli raised their centre of gravity and tried to react, but Maignan excelled on a left-footed shot by Colpani and Okafor (76′) scored the third goal at the end of a great action.
A magic start for Milan
Milan did not waste time and immediately took control of the game. The Rossoneri’s pressing and intensity put Monza in difficulty, who could not get out of their own half.
The hosts’ dominance was rewarded in the third minute, when Reijnders received a pass and unleashed a stunning shot from outside the box that left Di Gregorio no chance. It was the first goal in Serie A for the Dutch midfielder, who celebrated with his teammates.
Milan continued to attack and create chances, with Florenzi forcing Di Gregorio to two good saves, first with a header and then with a low shot.
Monza tried to react with some counter-attacks, but the Milan defence was alert and solid. The Rossoneri’s superiority was confirmed in the 41st minute, when Leao dribbled past two defenders on the left wing and crossed for Simic, who headed home from close range.
It was the second goal in Serie A for the Croatian defender, who had scored his first against Atalanta.
A crossbar and a third goal
In the second half, Monza showed more courage and ambition, and tried to put Milan under pressure.
The visitors had a good chance in the 54th minute, when Colpani found some space on the edge of the box and fired a powerful left-footed shot that Maignan parried with a great save.
The French goalkeeper, who had been a spectator in the first half, proved his worth and kept his clean sheet.Milan did not lose their composure and continued to play with quality and personality.
The Rossoneri hit the woodwork in the 65th minute, when Pulisic received a pass from Reijnders and curled a shot from the right side of the box that bounced off the crossbar.
The American winger, who had replaced Diaz at half-time, showed his skills and speed.Milan sealed the victory in the 76th minute, with a brilliant team move. The winger then played a one-two with Reijnders and crossed for Okafor, who tapped in from close range. It was the first goal in Serie A for the Nigerian striker, who had joined Milan in the summer from Basel.
A convincing win
Milan celebrated their 3-0 win over Monza, which allowed them to keep pace with Napoli and reduce the distance from Juventus, who drew 1-1 with Genoa.
The Rossoneri showed their character and quality, and scored three goals with three different players, all of whom had scored their first goal in Serie A this season.
Pioli’s team also kept their fourth consecutive clean sheet in the league, proving their defensive solidity.
Milan bounced back from their disappointing exit from the Champions League and showed that they are still in the race for the Scudetto.
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