MILAN (AP) — AC Milan improved its chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League and moved into second place in Serie A with a 1-0 win over bottom-place Hellas Verona on Sunday.
Adrien Rabiot scored the only goal of the game just before half-time.
The Rossoneri looked over their shoulders nervously after back-to-back losses to Napoli and Udinese. However, this victory dropped Milan to second place, eight points ahead of fifth place Como. Napoli lost to Lazio The day before.
If Juventus wins against Bologna after this, there is a possibility that they could return to within three points of Milan. Milan host Juventus next week.
Milan and Napoli are 12 points behind Serie A leaders Inter Milan with five matches remaining. If Inter win against Torino next Sunday, the Nerazzurri will clinch the title if Milan and Napoli fail to win.
Rabiot was the best player in the first half and broke the deadlock in the 41st minute. The France international won the ball in midfield, opened a pass to Raphael Leand, ran into the area and returned a through ball, which he slotted into the bottom right corner.
Mateo Gabbia, making his first appearance after two months out injured, appeared to have doubled Milan’s lead in the 74th minute, but was ruled out for offside early on.
Gabbia also thwarted Verona’s big scoring chances at the other end.
Verona had 10 points from safety.
Cremonese in trouble
Cremonese have not won at home in Serie A since the beginning of December after being held to a 0-0 draw by Turin and could have fallen into the relegation zone.
Cremonese are one point ahead of 18th-placed Lecce, who play Fiorentina on Monday.
Pisa are level on points with Verona after losing 1-2 at home. Daniele de Rossi’s Genoa, They achieved a come-from-behind victory and moved to 12 points above the drop zone.
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