Three points put Milan level with the leaders

Milan can stay perfect as Venezia seek a response

AC Milan welcome Venezia on Friday, August 28, with the early Serie A table already giving the fixture a clear context. Milan sit fifth on three points after one game, while Venezia are 18th without a point following their opening defeat. AS Roma lead on three points, meaning a victory would keep Milan level with the leaders and leave Venezia trying to avoid an early gap opening below them.

Milan arrive with a win as their most recent result, while Venezia’s form is a loss. With only one round completed, neither side has a substantial league sample, and both teams’ listed home and away records remain at 0-0-0. That makes the opening stages particularly important: Milan will want to build on their positive start, while Venezia need a reaction to prevent another setback from shaping their season’s direction.

Different structures could define the contest

Milan have used a 3-4-2-1 in their one match, a shape that can provide three defenders in the first phase while allowing the wing-backs to add width. The two players behind the forward can then look for spaces between Venezia’s defensive and midfield lines. Venezia’s preferred 3-5-2 offers a numerical presence in midfield and two forwards high up the pitch, but it will need to cope with Milan’s ability to stretch the game from wide areas.

The key tactical question will be whether Venezia can turn their midfield numbers into control without leaving room for Milan’s attacking midfielders. Milan, meanwhile, may need patience if Venezia keep their three central defenders close together. The visitors’ two-forward structure can also give them an outlet when they regain possession, particularly if Milan commit their wing-backs forward.

Rabiot and Cissè carry Milan’s scoring threat

A. Rabiot is Milan’s leading contributor from the available scorer chart, with one goal and one assist in one appearance. A. Cissè has also scored once in one appearance. Their numbers give Milan two clear sources of momentum, although Venezia’s formation may make it difficult for them to find consistent room around the penalty area. The visitors will need to limit the supply as well as the finishing.

Absences add another layer

Milan will be without Y. Fofana and F. Tomori, both listed as inactive, while S. Gimenez is missing with an ankle injury and R. Leao with a muscle injury. Those absences reduce available options across the squad and could encourage a more controlled approach. Venezia are missing A. Adorante with a hernia, A. Duncan through injury, M. Moreno because of health problems and M. Sverko with a hip injury, potentially limiting their choices as they try to improve on their opening result.

Prediction

AC Milan 2-0 Venezia. Milan’s winning start, stronger league position and two early scoring contributors point to a controlled home victory, although their absences may prevent the margin from becoming wider.