AC Milan strengthened their push for a top-four finish in Serie A with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Hellas Verona on Sunday, climbing back into second place in the standings..
Adrien Rabiot proved decisive, scoring the only goal just before halftime to secure all three points for the Rossoneri.
The win comes as a timely response after consecutive defeats to Napoli and Udinese had briefly put their Champions League hopes under pressure.
The result moves Milan eight points clear of fifth-placed Como and restores their second-place position following Napoli’s loss to Lazio.
Meanwhile, Juventus could close the gap to three points if they overcome Bologna, with a crucial showdown against Milan looming next weekend.
At the top, both Milan and Napoli remain 12 points behind leaders Inter Milan with five matches left. Inter could wrap up the title as early as next Sunday if they defeat Torino and their closest challengers fail to win.
Rabiot was instrumental throughout the first half and capped his performance with the decisive moment in the 41st minute.
After winning possession in midfield, he combined neatly with Rafael Leão before finishing calmly into the bottom corner.
Matteo Gabbia, making his return after a two-month injury layoff, thought he had doubled the advantage in the second half, but his effort was ruled out for offside earlier in the move.
He later made an important defensive intervention to deny Verona a clear chance.
Verona’s situation remains bleak, sitting 10 points adrift of safety.
Elsewhere, Cremonese continued their struggles at home, settling for a goalless draw against Torino, extending their winless run on home soil since early December.
They remain just one point above 18th-placed Lecce, who face Fiorentina on Monday.
Pisa stayed level on points with Verona after slipping to a 2-1 home defeat against Genoa, managed by Daniele De Rossi. Genoa came from behind to claim victory, moving 12 points clear of the relegation zone.
