AC Milan’s 4-0 thrashing of Venezia in Serie A on Saturday provided the finest possible preparation for the Champions League and next weekend’s Milan derby, while Juventus struggled to a goalless draw at Empoli.
Ahead of a crucial week for the seven-time European champions, hundreds of ardent supporters gathered outside the San Siro to express their support for Milan, who had been under pressure after taking just two points from their first three games during the international break.
In response to their support, Paulo Fonseca’s squad easily defeated Venezia, scoring four goals in only 29 minutes and dominating the remainder of the game.
Milan, who are currently ranked seventh, will take on Liverpool on Tuesday night feeling more upbeat after their first victory of the year. A week later, on Sunday, they will play a crucial match against champions Inter Milan.
The last six derbies have been won by Inter; their most recent triumph also sealed the Scudetto for the previous campaign.
“It was important to win, and win in this manner, to give the players belief in what we’re doing,” Fonseca told Sky Sports.
“I’ve been considering Liverpool and Inter this week. I am aware of the Derby’s significance. We’re trying to change that, even if I am aware that we haven’t won the previous few derbies.”
Less than two minutes in, Milan took the lead thanks to a low shot from Theo Hernandez that went past Venezia goalkeeper Jesse Joronen. Two minutes later, Matteo Gabbia doubled Milan’s advantage by heading in Christian Pulisic’s corner.
Even though Venezia already had a steep hill to climb, their dreams of taking anything out from the game were dashed when Tammy Abraham, making his full Milan debut, and Pulisic converted two easy penalties.
In the 22nd minute, England international Abraham scored Milan’s third goal after Tijjani Reijnders’ effort was mishandled and he was clipped by Joronen.
Joel Schingtienne’s foot stepped on Rafael Leao’s, who had set up Hernandez’s opening goal, and Abraham finished the rout from that spot.
In the 72nd minute, Francesco Zampano appeared to have scored for Venezia, but the goal was disallowed because Hans Nicolussi Caviglia collided with Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s ankle.
A terrible evening for rock-bottom Venezia was made worse when Caviglia, whose last name means “ankle” in Italian, was sent off for the reckless challenge, his second bookable offense in a matter of minutes.
Read More: Punjab FC’s Argentine midfielder Pulga Vidal can’t wait ‘to attack the rival’ this ISL season
