In a clinical display of tactical maturity and offensive efficiency, AC Milan swept aside Hellas Verona with a 3-0 victory at the San Siro. Coming off the back of a bruising defeat in the Italian Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, the "Rossoneri" needed a statement performance to reignite their domestic campaign. Led by a masterful Luka Modric in midfield and a lethal Christopher Nkunku up front, Max Allegri’s men did exactly that, reclaiming the summit of the Serie A table and sending a clear message to cross-town rivals Inter Milan.
Breaking The Verona Block
The match began with a familiar script for the home fans. AC Milan seized control of the ball from the opening whistle, orchestrating wave after wave of attacks, yet found themselves frustrated by a disciplined and compact Hellas Verona defensive unit. For much of the first half, Verona’s "low block" successfully neutralized Milan's creative sparks, forcing the hosts into long-range efforts and speculative crosses.
However, the psychological barrier was finally shattered in the dying moments of the first half. In the 45+1 minute, veteran playmaker Luka Modric delivered a trademark curling corner into the heart of the box. Midfielder Adrien Rabiot showcased his aerial prowess, leaping above the defense to nod the ball back across the face of the goal. Christian Pulisic, ever the predator, was perfectly positioned to tap the ball into the net from point-blank range. This breakthrough proved to be the pivotal moment of the match, as the tension that had gripped the San Siro evaporated instantly.
The Nkunku Masterclass Begins
If the first half ended with a sigh of relief, the second half began with a roar of dominance. Within three minutes of the restart, Milan’s high press forced a mistake in the Verona defense. In a desperate attempt to recover, Victor Nelsson pulled the arm of Christopher Nkunku inside the penalty area. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Nkunku, who has become the cornerstone of Allegri’s attacking system since his arrival, stepped up with ice-cold composure. He sent goalkeeper Lorenzo Montipo the wrong way, doubling Milan's lead in the 48th minute.
The Frenchman's influence on the game was far from over; just five minutes later, he demonstrated the sharp instincts that have made him one of Europe's top forwards. After a thunderous shot from Modric was parried away by Montipo, Nkunku was the fastest to react, pouncing on the rebound to slot home his second goal of the afternoon.
Tactical Control And Defensive Solidity
With a three-goal cushion and the fighting spirit of the visitors effectively extinguished, Max Allegri showcased his signature game management. AC Milan deliberately lowered the tempo, opting for a possession-based game that prioritized defensive structure over further attacking risks. Modric continued to act as the team's metronome, dictating play with effortless grace while Rabiot provided the physical presence needed to stifle any attempted Verona counters.
The visitors did attempt a late surge in hopes of a consolation goal, but Mike Maignan’s goal remained largely untroubled. The most significant threat from Verona arrived in the 87th minute when Gift Orban managed to find the back of the net. However, the celebrations were short-lived as the goal was quickly disallowed for a foul in the buildup, preserving Milan's clean sheet.
Pressure Shifts To The Blue Side Of Milan
The final whistle confirmed a 3-0 victory that holds immense weight in the context of the 2025/26 season. After the disappointment in Riyadh, this performance served as a vital psychological "reset" for a squad that harbors genuine title ambitions. The three points move AC Milan to the top of the league table, creating a momentary buffer between them and the chasing pack.
Crucially, this result puts the ball squarely in Inter Milan’s court. By playing early and securing a dominant win, the Rossoneri have maximized the pressure on the Nerazzurri ahead of their difficult away trip to Bergamo to face Atalanta. As the Serie A race enters a critical winter stretch, Max Allegri’s side appears to have found the perfect balance of flair and grit required to stay in the hunt for the Scudetto.