Milan Secures 2-0 Victory Over Venezia

AC Milan entered the weekend match with several notable storylines. United States winger Christian Pulisic returned to the squad after missing the previous game due to a bone bruise and microfracture suffered in the United States’ 1-0 loss to Belgium that eliminated them from the World Cup on July 6. The club also opened the match with a minute’s silence for club legend Franco Baresi, who died on July 31.

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In the summer, Milan completed the €74-75 million signing of Portuguese striker Gonçalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain, a move intended to resolve the team’s “number nine” problem.

Gonçalo Ramos breaks his duck as Milan find their number nine: 'It's easy to play here'

• First half: Milan dominated early but were unable to convert. Ramos’ initial effort was saved by goalkeeper Filip Stankovic, and a header from Ramos was also denied. Venezia created limited chances, with Akor Adams and John Yeboah testing Milan’s defense.

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• 69th minute: Substitute Alexis Saelemaekers delivered a precise cross that Ramos met with a header, putting Milan ahead.

Ramos gets off the mark: Milan see off Venezia with a brace at San Siro

• Late second half: Ardon Jashari’s shot was saved by Stankovic, rebounded off Venezia defender Ridwan Halhal and entered the net as an own goal, sealing the win.

Ramos gets off the mark: Milan see off Venezia with a brace at San Siro

Ramos’ goal marked his first for the Rossoneri, while the own goal provided the second tally.

Gonçalo Ramos breaks his duck as Milan find their number nine: 'It's easy to play here'

• Final score: AC Milan 2 – 0 Venezia.

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• Goal timings: Ramos (69’) and Halhal own-goal (late second half).

Gonçalo Ramos breaks his duck as Milan find their number nine: 'It's easy to play here'

• Attendance: approximately 75,000 spectators.

Gonçalo Ramos breaks his duck as Milan find their number nine: 'It's easy to play here'

• Ramos became the fifth striker in the last decade of Serie A to score on his home league debut, joining the likes of Olivier Giroud, Alvaro Morata, Michy Abram, and Santiago Giménez.

Gonçalo Ramos breaks his duck as Milan find their number nine: 'It's easy to play here'

• Ramos missed three clear chances before scoring, including a low drive saved by Stankovic and a missed penalty-box effort.

Gonçalo Ramos breaks his duck as Milan find their number nine: 'It's easy to play here'

• Ruben Amorim (head coach): In a post-match press conference he praised the team’s “new DNA” and emphasized that the victory reflects Milan’s enjoyment of football and a winning mentality.

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• Amorim on squad depth: Earlier in the pre-season, Amorim explained that while he believes Camarda needs space and time, Ramos is already at a very high level and must compete for his place regardless of age.

Milan, only two strikers for three competitions: Amorim’s definitive decision has arrived

• Gonçalo Ramos: After the match the striker described the feeling of scoring as “beautiful,” adding that the win was a “delightful” moment for both him and the supporters.

Gonçalo Ramos breaks his duck as Milan find their number nine: 'It's easy to play here'

Amorim indicated that the next test will come in a week’s time against Juventus, a fixture that will further assess Milan’s early-season progress.

Milan, here is Goalcalo Ramos but the result is the best news. This way they can dream, but not kid themselves