February 18, (THEWILL) – AC Milan secured a crucial 1-0 victory against Monza, climbing into Serie A’s top four on Saturday at the U-Power Stadium.
Junior Messias scored the only goal of the game just after the half-hour mark, firing home on the turn. Monza, who entered the match as Serie A’s only unbeaten team in 2023, twice went close in a fast start but were unable to give owner Silvio Berlusconi a result to cherish against his beloved Rossoneri.
The match was a lively affair, with both teams playing their part. Milan goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu was forced into action twice in the first two minutes, turning Patrick Ciurria’s attempt away at the near post before denying Andrea Petagna from the resulting corner. However, Rafael Leao saw a dipping 25-yard strike brush the post as Milan played their way into the game.
Michele Di Gregorio made two sharp saves to keep out Brahim Diaz and Fikayo Tomori before Messias’ left-footed volley found the bottom-right corner.
Milan claimed victory without calling on Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the first time this season, moving above Atalanta and Roma into third place. They face fellow top-four contenders Atalanta in a huge fixture at San Siro next Sunday, while Monza visit Salernitana on the same day.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
