Theo Hernandez in Top Form Against Familiar Foes
When someone calls a team their favourite opponent, you expect something special. That’s exactly what happened with Theo Hernandez when AC Milan faced Venezia in Serie A's 34th round. Hernandez, Milan’s go-to left-back, once again looked comfortable, starting in a match where the Rossoneri had just two notable players missing: Emerson Royal and Matteo Gabbia. That meant Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri could count on almost his best, right after their morale-boosting 3-0 win over Inter in the Coppa Italia derby.
Hernandez had heavy legs from that last clash but still showed his worth. In this game, he was less about flashy forward runs and more about doing the dirty work. He racked up six clearances, stepped up with a key corner, and did not shy away from risky defensive situations, even though he carried the risk of a yellow card—just like teammates Leão and Bondo. Even though he managed only one cross (which didn’t hit the mark) and an off-target shot, his presence on the field made life tough for Venezia’s attackers all night.
Milan’s Attack Delivers, Venezia Left Frustrated
The match had its moments, but it was Milan who took charge early and dictated the pace. Manager Allegri made just one tweak to the lineup from their last big win, giving Tammy Abraham the nod in place of the injured Luka Jovic. That stability helped keep the team’s rhythm intact. Milan put pressure on from the start and eventually broke through thanks to a confident finish from Christian Pulisic, followed by a sharp strike from Mateo Gimenez.
Venezia, now struggling at the wrong end of the table and fighting for their Serie A survival, showed they weren’t just there to make up the numbers. They caused Milan a few headaches—Nicolussi Caviglia clipped the post and Yeboah went close, but luck wasn’t on their side. Venezia even thought they'd pulled one back, only for the flag to go up for offside. Each chance that went begging left their fans groaning, while Milan’s defense, led by an ever-alert Hernandez, stayed solid.
The final whistle saw Milan pocket another valuable win in their push for European football next season. As for Hernandez, it’s no wonder he enjoys facing Venezia: every game against them seems to bring out his best work and keeps Milan’s ambitions alive.