Gimenez goal earns Milan 1-0 win over Verona

MILAN, Italy : A wasteful AC Milan breathed a sigh of relief as they secured a narrow 1-0 Serie A win at home against Hellas Verona on Saturday, courtesy of a late Santiago Gimenez goal.

The gloom that had set in at the San Siro lifted in the 75th minute when Gimenez headed home after a ball into the box was cleverly directed into his path by Rafael Leao.

The result put Milan in seventh place with 41 points, five behind Lazio in fourth, the last qualifying spot for next season's Champions League. Verona are 15th.

Milan dominated possession and created chances in the first half, but could not open the scoring against a defensive Verona, leading to growing frustration among both supporters and players.

The hosts carved out a big chance early in the match when Tijjani Reijnders unleashed a low drive from distance, but Verona keeper Lorenzo Montipo reacted sharply, diving down swiftly to push it away from danger.

Minutes later, Milan went dangerously close again when what looked like a cross from Joao Felix sailed over everyone, forcing a surprised Montipo into a desperate diving save to keep it out.

Gimenez had a goal ruled out just after the half-hour mark, as he was a fraction offside before slotting the ball into the net, with the growing frustration evident for the home team, who had the majority of both chances and possession, rarely allowing Verona to get beyond their midfield.

The second half was a largely dull affair with few chances until Gimenez's goal lifted the spirits, with jubilant cheers echoing around the stadium as the hosts rode out the final minutes.

Leao had a late chance to double the lead as he stormed into the Verona box, but the opportunity went begging as Verona cleared to the sound of the final whistle.