Fonseca: Victory Despite Challenges Highlights Milan's Resilience

In a crucial Serie A match, AC Milan secured a 1-0 victory against Hellas Verona, bringing a temporary halt to their recent struggles. Head coach Paulo Fonseca acknowledged the team's lackluster first-half performance, noting, 'We didn't create many opportunities and played somewhat sluggishly.' Despite dominating possession, Milan struggled to penetrate Verona's defense effectively. Fonseca attributed this to a lack of confidence, stating, 'We made many wrong decisions near the penalty area; this is due to a lack of confidence.' He expressed satisfaction with the clean sheet and defensive solidity, highlighting the importance of stability as a foundation for future offensive improvements. The match saw Rafael Leão substituted in the first half due to a precautionary measure. Fonseca commented, 'I spoke with him; it's not a serious issue, but we will assess his condition tomorrow.' Additionally, Christian Pulisic remained sidelined due to injury, and Álvaro Morata was unavailable because of illness. Fonseca praised the defensive efforts of his players, particularly the central defenders and midfielders, stating, 'I'm happy to see the team's stability increasing with each game.' He emphasized the need for improvement in attack but remained optimistic, asserting that the victory was well-deserved and crucial for building confidence in upcoming matches.