AC Milan Edge Verona 1-0 as Rabiot Goal Strengthens Top-Four Grip

AC Milan tightened their hold on a Champions League place with a narrow 1-0 win over Verona on Sunday, thanks to Adrien Rabiot’s decisive first-half strike.

Rabiot found the net in the 41st minute at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi, finishing off a move he initiated after regaining possession and linking up with Rafael Leao. It was the French international’s sixth Serie A goal of the season and the standout moment in a largely uneventful match.

The victory lifts Milan back to second place and opens up an eight-point cushion over closest challengers Como and Roma in fifth and sixth positions, respectively, with five games left to play.

“The important thing is winning and getting the points we need to achieve our objectives, but we made a lot of mistakes today. We could have played a lot better,” Rabiot said.
“We need to stay focussed on qualifying for the Champions League.”

Milan benefited from favourable results elsewhere, as Como lost unexpectedly to Sassuolo and Roma were held to a draw by Atalanta.

After a turbulent previous season that saw them miss out on European competition, the Rossoneri are now closing in on a return to the continent’s elite tournament under Massimiliano Allegri.

The Milan boss reiterated his commitment to the club amid speculation over the Italy national team vacancy.

“No-one has contacted me (from the Italian Football Federation), and all my thoughts are on Milan: we’ve started something together and we’ll continue it together,” he said.

Meanwhile, Verona remain bottom of the table following a fifth consecutive defeat, leaving them 10 points from safety and on the brink of relegation.

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