AC Milan Secures Narrow Victory to Sustain European Aspirations While Pushing Venezia Closer to Relegation

AC Milan secured their fifth consecutive victory over Venezia with a hard-fought 2-0 triumph at Stadio Pierluigi Penzo, preserving their hopes of clinching a top-six position in Serie A.

The hosts launched their offensive early on, but Milan quickly provided a perfect counter with the opening goal just four minutes in. After regaining possession high up the pitch, a brilliant pass from Youssouf Fofana found Christian Pulisic, who coolly slotted the ball home.

Following that early strike, Venezia took control and had their first clear opportunity when Alessio Zerbin managed to find space in the box, only to send his effort wide of the near post.

Continuing to press forward, the Arancioneroverdi believed they had equalised ten minutes before half-time when John Yeboah netted from a slick one-touch move. However, their celebrations were muted when VAR ruled out the goal for an offside in the lead-up.

Just before the half-time whistle, Mike Maignan sprang into action, deftly handling a dangerous free-kick from Hans Nicolussi Caviglia, sending Milan into the break with a 1-0 lead.

Milan had a prime opportunity to extend their lead early in the second half when the ball came to Rafael Leao in a packed area, but off-balance, he could only send the ball over the bar.

Perceiving that their first-half attacking momentum had dissipated, Eusebio Di Francesco made four substitutions shortly after the hour mark. As they pushed everyone forward in search of an equaliser, the visitors struck again in the dying moments through Santiago Gimenez, who broke free and executed a delicate lob over Ionuț Radu, effectively sealing the victory.

Even with the three points garnered, Milan sits ninth in the league table but narrows the gap to sixth-placed Lazio to just five points, albeit having played one game more. On the other hand, Venezia remains in 19th place, one point from safety, and with only four wins this season, their chances of retaining Serie A status are dwindling.