Milan was flawless in their 4-0 victory over Udinese in Serie A on Friday night. Goals from Rafael Leao, Strahinja Pavlovic, Theo Hernandez, and Tijjani Reijnders made for an exciting evening.
From the first kickoff, Milan had a clear chance to take the lead when a long ball over the top confused Thomas Kristensen and Jaka Bijol, sending Reijnders through one-on-one until Maduka Odoye stopped him ten yards out.
Rafael Leao was unable to put the finishing touches on a superbly placed 90-yard throw from Mike Maignan, who also attempted the route-one method in the early going.
Milan enjoyed a two-goal lead going into halftime, despite Udinese having a few half-chances halfway through the match.
After a considerable deal of effort and layoff from Youssouf Fofana, Leao took the lead with a fantastic first-time finish from a central position on the perimeter of the area, into the far corner with his right foot.
The lead for the Rossoneri was doubled less than three minutes later when Pavlovic climbed to the top of the area to get a header on Christian Pulisic’s corner, which might have gone in off Oumar Solet’s shoulder just before halftime.
When Mike Maignan attempted to clear a difficult ball with a header outside of his area, he collided heads with Alex Jimenez and momentarily lost consciousness, setting up a problematic start to the second half.
Despite Udinese being through on an open goal, the whistle blew instantly, and the Frenchman was taken off on a stretcher. By the time he reached the tunnel, he was awake.
Milan, however, remained focused and quickly secured their victory with a fantastic goal from Theo Hernandez.
The Frenchman had all the time in the world to choose his place after being involved in a one-touch passing move on the halfway line and being released by an Abraham flick. For 0-3, he blasted in at the near post.
Rafael Leao chipped a pass above Okoye and Reijnders poked it home on the goalline in what was the Dutchman’s 10th goal of the season.
With a few minutes remaining, Christian Pulisic believed he had put Milan ahead five goals, but Tammy Abraham was too enthusiastic and gave the American’s attempt the smallest flick, meaning it was disallowed for offside.
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