Milan’s 16 shots deliver a 2-0 win over Venezia

AC Milan opened their Serie A campaign with a 2-0 victory over Venezia at San Siro/Giuseppe Meazza on Friday, August 28. The result leaves Milan fifth with three points from one game, while Venezia sit 18th without a point after one match.

Milan make pressure count

Milan controlled more of the match under Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation, holding 58% possession and completing 445 of 506 passes. Venezia, set up in a 3-5-2 by Giovanni Stroppa, completed 304 of 367 passes and had 42% of the ball. The difference in territory was also reflected in the shot count: Milan attempted 16 efforts to Venezia’s eight, including 11 shots from inside the box.

The advantage was not entirely reflected in the early scoreline. Milan registered five shots on target and Venezia two, while both goalkeepers made important contributions, with Venezia’s Filip Stanković making four saves. Milan’s expected-goals figure of 2.13 compared with Venezia’s 0.69, indicating that the home side created the clearer opportunities even before the decisive moments arrived.

Ramos breaks the deadlock

The first major turning point came in the 69th minute. G. Ramos scored a normal goal for Milan, with A. Saelemaekers providing the assist. Saelemaekers had entered in the 59th minute for R. Loftus-Cheek and made an immediate impact after coming on, finishing with a 7.5 rating, one assist and three key passes.

Venezia’s response was limited, and Milan secured the result in the 89th minute when R. Halhal was recorded with an own goal for the visitors. Halhal had come on at half-time for B. Franjic, but his own goal completed Milan’s two-goal margin and ended any possibility of a late Venezia recovery.

Cards and changes shape the second half

Venezia collected three yellow cards: J. Schingtienne was booked in the 27th minute, K. Perez in the 48th and R. Haps in the 54th. Milan received one caution, shown to S. Pavlovic in the 71st minute. The visitors also made further changes as T. Basic replaced S. Sohm in the 65th minute and T. Correia came on for Haps a minute later. Milan later introduced A. Jashari for L. Modric in the 74th minute, following the earlier double substitution involving Saelemaekers and A. Rabiot.

Modrić stands out as Milan start with a win

Luka Modrić was Milan’s standout performer by match rating, earning 7.5 during his 74 minutes. He contributed two key passes as Milan maintained the greater share of possession and attacking output. Samuel Chukwueze and Yunus Musah also received 7.3 ratings, while Stanković’s four saves helped keep Venezia competitive. Milan followed their most recent win with another victory; Venezia’s latest loss was followed by defeat here.