AC Milan secured their first home victory of the Serie A season with a 2-0 win over Venezia at San Siro on Friday, with Gonçalo Ramos scoring his first goal for the club.
The Rossoneri dominated much of the contest but were made to work for the breakthrough after wasting several chances in both halves.
Milan made two changes from the side that defeated Torino 2-1 on the opening weekend, with Luka Modrić and Davide Bartesaghi coming into the starting XI.
The hosts started brightly, with Ramos going close on two occasions before Venezia created an opportunity of their own through Ekong Adams, whose powerful effort was kept out by Mike Maignan.
Milan continued to apply pressure, but Venezia goalkeeper Filip Stanković produced several impressive saves to keep the visitors level.
After the interval, Yunus Musah came close to opening the scoring when his header from inside the six-yard box struck the crossbar.
The deadlock was finally broken after substitute Alexis Saelemaekers sparked a counter-attack and picked out Ramos with a clever pass.
The Portugal international made no mistake, firing a left-footed effort through the legs of Gianluca Busio and into the net.
It was Ramos’ first goal in a Milan shirt and gave the home side a deserved advantage.
Venezia pushed for an equaliser, but Maignan stood firm, making another important save to deny John Yeboah.
Milan eventually put the result beyond doubt late in the match.
Saelemaekers found Ardon Jashari with an excellent pass, and although Stanković saved the midfielder’s effort, the ball rebounded off Venezia defender Ridwan Halhal and rolled into the empty net.
The victory gives Milan back-to-back wins to start their Serie A campaign and provides a strong boost ahead of their next league fixture against Juventus.
